Environment : Turbine News

Standing 22.5 metres, the AK100 is soon to become the planet’s biggest tidal wind turbine.  It is described as ‘environmentally benign’, as it performs under a low rotational speed.  And it will produce enough electricity for 1000 homes.

All good positive stuff.

Call me a bit of a cynic, but 1000 homes does appear a paltry return for such a beast which took:

” 10 years of hard work , dedication and belief from all our partners, staff, directors and shareholders. “

Low rotation speed suggests that other, faster rotational contraptions would not be as ‘environmentally benign.’ The first admission I suspect that wind turbines are damaging to the environment despite claiming otherwise.

Not everyone is enamoured of new clean technology now spreading across the UK coastal skylines.  Protesters in Gillingham, Dorset have won the backing of their local council in their fight to prevent a windfarm, citing impact on wildlife and tourism, damage to Roman remains and interference with television and radio signals.  Refusal to grant the planning application is recommended by the Local Authority.

Powys residents have another worry – transportation of the huge components, they say, will have a damaging effect on their local infrastructure.  Protesters state that if allowed, there will be 25 years of disruption and traffic chaos, and that it would kill tourism in one of Britains most beautiful areas.

Westmoreland folk are up in arms about an EON UK proposal to build 9 turbines, each the eight of Blackpool Tower.  (EO.N. is a German owned company which recently swallowed up PowerGen) .

To appease locals, EON has offer £20,000 for community projects.

Full Report HERE