Energy News

Giant Wind Turbine Set to Get the Green Light

Thursday 17 July, 2008

By hazel.cottrell@consumerchoices.co.uk

It looks like plans to build Europe’s biggest and most powerful wind turbine will get the go-ahead now that the Government have ruled out the need for a public enquiry, The Journal reported today.

The proposed machine would stand a massive 163 metres tall from base to blade tip, dwarfing the current tallest turbines in Britain. It would be the biggest land-based turbine in Europe and more than three times taller than Nelson’s column!

This is the largest of seven turbines that Hainsford Energy is planning to build to replace the existing Blyth Harbour Wind Farm which has been producing energy since 1993. The scheme will increase the site’s generating capacity from 2.7 megawatts to almost 23 megawatts.

Wansbeck councillors had approved the action in principle seven months ago, but the plans were then stalled by an objection submitted by Newcastle Airport. Expressing fears that the turbines will interfere with air traffic control radar, cause safety problems and increase the fuel consumption of their planes if they are required to dodge the turbines, airport officials called for the council’s decision to be called in by the Government and a public inquiry to be held.

The council obtained expert aviation and legal advice which concluded that the airport had not demonstrated that the turbines would have an adverse effect on operational safety. Now Communities Secretary Hazel Blears has decided not to intervene which leaves the council free to ratify its previous decision and issue the planning approval notice for the wind turbine plans.

Charles Rose, director of Hainsford Energy, says there are still formalities to be completed but he hopes that final planning consent will be issued soon, following the Government’s ruling. He claims the giant onshore turbines could actually enhance the landscape and hopes these machines will become icons for the whole wind industry.

Chris Eagle, Commercial Manager at Energy Choices says:

“The move to increase production of renewable energy is positive and this new farm could help Britain meet its hugely ambitious new wind energy targets. The sheer scale of the project suggests great possibilities of converting more and more of the country to wind power.”

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