Wind Power News: U.K.
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
‘We’ve already done our bit’ – Fears over impact of hundreds more offshore turbines
Hundreds more wind turbines could be built off the Suffolk coast after the region’s seabed was included in a new round of bidding for developers. The Crown Estate announcement has proved divisive, with business leaders welcoming the economic opportunities, while campaigners warn of the environmental impact of onshore infrastructure. Currently, there are two wind farms off Suffolk’s coast, Galloper and Greater Gabbard, featuring 196 turbines. ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) is building the 102-turbine East Anglia ONE and has plans for three . . . Complete story »
Residents’ devastated as ‘vacuum hoover’ wind turbines set to be made bigger
New plans to make several wind turbines bigger in the East Riding look set to be given the go-ahead, despite objections from residents. An application by German company Energiekontor UK Limited to increase the length, rotor diameter and height of nine wind turbines outside of Withernwick has been submitted to East Riding Council. The proposal for Withernwick wind farm, which goes before the council’s planning committee on Thursday, looks set to win approval, subject to conditions. Energiekontor is seeking planning . . . Complete story »
Llandrindod Wells: CPRW launch High Court bid to challenge Lesley Griffiths AM’s Hendy Wind Farm decision
The Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW) group in Brecon and Radnor has initiated a High Court challenge to the decision made by Lesley Griffiths AM to allow the development to Hendy Wind farm near Llandrindod Wells proceed. In doing this, the rural affairs minister overturned decisions made by local authorities in Powys: the county council and a planning inspector refused permission for the seven wind turbines to be built between Penybont and Llandegley. The legal challenge will . . . Complete story »
Environmental charity objects to 26-turbine Glendye wind farm
An environmental charity has submitted an objection to a proposed 26-turbine wind farm in Aberdeenshire. Developer Coriolis Energy wants to build the wind farm at Glendye, near Fettercairn, and has lodged plans with the Scottish Government. The firm believes the spot would be ideal for generating environmentally-friendly electricity, but objectors have argued it will have a negative impact on the natural environment and goes against Aberdeenshire Council’s local development plan. The Save Clachnaben – Stop the Glendye Windfarm group say . . . Complete story »
Windfarm plans given the go-ahead by Highland Council
Plans for a massive offshore windfarm in the Moray Firth have been approved by Highland councillors after a debate over its visual appearance. The 85-turbine Moray Offshore Windfarm West – which is due to begin construction in 2021 – will lie around 14 miles off the Caithness Coast, adjacent to both Beatrice and Moray Offshore Windfarm East. The farm, once complete, is expected to generate power for more than 900,000 homes across the north. During the Highland Council’s north planning . . . Complete story »
Hendy Wind Farm protesters claim work has started on site
Developers behind a wind farm have denied protesters’ claims bulldozers have starting digging at the site. Last month the Welsh Government overturned Powys County Council’s refusal to allow the plans to go ahead at Hendy, near Llandrindod Wells. But work cannot start until the council has ruled on bids to alter the terms of planning permission. Hendy Wind Farm said it had only carried out pre-commencement surveys and delivered machinery to the site. Powys councillors had rejected the seven-turbine scheme . . . Complete story »
The New Battle of Agincourt: Britons and French join forces to save famous battlefield from wind turbines more than 600 years after epic clash
Historical enemies are uniting to protest against the building of massive wind turbines near the site of the battle of Agincourt. Parties from both sides of the channel have moved to condemn the idea of having the 500ft structures looming over the site of one of Britain’s most indelible victories ever. The turbines would stand as close as 800 yards away from the battlefield where England over came the odds to defeat French forces during the battle of Agincourt On . . . Complete story »
Scottish power’s £107m to switch off turbines
Scottish Power was paid £107million for switching off its wind turbines during a three-year delay in completing an undersea cable project which was supposed to solve that very problem. The £1billion Western Link from Ayrshire to North Wales was specifically designed to prevent so-called “constraint payments” by allowing more Scottish green electricity to reach consumers in England. Previously huge amounts of energy from Scotland’s wind farms became stuck in a bottleneck at the Border, resulting in operators being paid millions . . . Complete story »
Powys: Protests at Hendy wind farm site
Protestors are up in arms that contractors have been on to the controversial Hendy Wind Farm site and seem to have started working early. Powys County Council has confirmed that they have received complaints about the developers that has lead to enforcement action taking place. This month a host of reserved matter applications to alter the conditions of the planning permission have been lodged with Powys County Council. Until these are agreed, work should not take place. Protest group “SOS . . . Complete story »
Councils approve transmission planning for Moray West wind project
Two north-east councils have approved the transmission planning applications for a huge Moray Firth windfarm development. In separate hearings yesterday, Moray and Aberdeenshire councillors heard planning recommendations before approving the applications for the Moray West Offshore Windfarm. Project developer for Moray West, James Grant, said: “We are delighted that Moray and Aberdeenshire Councils have chosen to support this windfarm through this part of the planning system. “Following the decisions by Moray and Aberdeenshire Councils to support the marine part of . . . Complete story »
