Wind Power News: Wales
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch in its noncommercial educational effort to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch. They are the products of and owned by the organizations or individuals noted and are shared here according to “fair use” and “fair dealing” provisions of copyright law.
Councillors recommended to reject plans for wind farm with 200 metre high turbines
Planning officers have advised a council’s planning committee to object to proposals for a wind farm consisting of nine 200-metre-high wind turbines. RWE Renewables UK have submitted a statutory pre-application consultation to Conwy’s planning department, seeking backing for the huge wind turbines at Alwen Forest Wind Farm, a 738-hectare site located 4km north-west of Cerrigydrudion. If permission is granted, six of the proposed wind turbines would be located in Conwy county within the coniferous woodland, forming a ridge between Alwen . . . Complete story »
UK wind turbine bursts into flames as shocked farmers watch in horror
Walkers in a tranquil Welsh countryside were left astonished as they recorded a video of a wind turbine erupting in flames and subsequently exploding. The unexpected and dramatic event took place while they were on their stroll, adding an element of shock to what was initially a routine walk in the scenic landscape. Nick Blasdale, 61, and his wife Alison, 59, were left shocked when they saw burning parts of a turbine fall more than 100ft to the ground. Firefighters . . . Complete story »
Wind turbine catches fire and explodes in Blaen Bowi
Walkers enjoying a Sunday stroll were shocked to see a wind turbine burst into flames, disintegrate and explode. The wind turbine, located at Blaen Bowi Wind Farm, at Moelfra Hill near Newcastle Emlyn caught fire shortly before midday. Fire fighters from Newcastle Emlyn and Carmarthen were called to the fire at 11.46. They arrived to find the turbine well-alight with pieces of debris falling to the ground nearby. Nick and Alison Blasdale, who were on a countryside walk at the . . . Complete story »
Wind turbine in Newcastle Emlyn catches on fire
Fire services were called after a wind turbine caught on fire on Sunday. Pieces of the turbine in Blaen Bowi, Newcastle Emlyn, Carmarthenshire, were falling on to nearby ground during the blaze. Newcastle Emlyn and Carmarthen crews arrived at the scene at 11:46 GMT and helped put it out. The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said they left at 13:03 GMT and the landowner made sure the fire did not spread. [video at source] Complete story »
Questions raised over Blaenau Gwent wind farm plans
Questions have been asked around why so many planning applications to build wind turbines in Blaenau Gwent have been made recently. At a meeting of Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council’s Planning Committee on Thursday, November 9, councillors were updated on several planning applications for wind farms currently being processed by Welsh Government planning inspectors at PEDW (Planning and Environment Decisions Wales). Councillors were told that that a decision on proposals by Pennant Walters Ltd for Mynydd Cefn-y-Carn is expected after . . . Complete story »
Llanhilleth windpower project assessment finds several potential negative impacts
A wind farm planned for a mountain and which would stretch across two Gwent boroughs could have a number of potential negative impacts, an assessment has found. An examination of plans for an eight-turbine development at Mynydd Llanhilleth by Torfaen Borough Council’s planning department has identified up to eight potential negative impacts should it go ahead. They range from potential noise issues impacting nearby residents and the visual impact of the turbines – that would measure up to 180 metres . . . Complete story »
Farmer ‘bribed’ with strip club visit if he ‘agreed to have wind turbine on land’
A farmer was “bribed” with a visit to a strip club if he agreed to having a wind turbine on his land, it has been claimed. The meeting minutes from a Nelson Community Council gathering, near Caerphilly, South Wales, report one resident was offered money and a night out at a lap dancing club. Major green energy companies are trying to persuade landowners across Britain to sign up for wind generators and pylons by offering them financial incentives. The minutes . . . Complete story »
Mansion wind turbine plans face refusal over airport safety fears
Plans for a 200-foot-high wind turbine to power a mansion are expected to be refused due to fears it would threaten the safe operation of a nearby airport. Mr and Mrs G Peters of Western Solar Ltd are seeking permission for a single turbine on land near the Grade II-listed Rhosygilwen Mansion in Pembrokeshire, which includes an arts and functions building known as Neuaddydderwen. The application for the 62-metre-high turbine and associated works, is to be considered at the January . . . Complete story »
Campaigners angry after wind farm moratorium rejected without discussion
Campaigners who want a temporary halt on the granting of permission for onshore wind farms in Wales say they are furious after Senedd Members decided not to discuss their petition because Climate Change Minister Julie James had written a letter saying she didn’t agree with it. The petition said that to “prevent wide scale and needless damage to the Welsh countryside”, there should be a moratorium on all onshore wind and ground-based solar developments above 10MW until the potential for . . . Complete story »
‘No let-up in fight’ against Powys wind farm developments
There must be no let-up in the fight against the development of industrial scale wind farms – this was the message at a fundraising launch for a campaign group battling against proposals for large-scale Powys projects. Scores of people filled the Alexandra Hall in Llangammarch Wells on Friday, September 15, for the launch of RE-think’s fundraising campaign – which collected more than £2,000. In total, over £2,600 was raised to support the group’s fight against industrial scale wind farms and . . . Complete story »