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#1 ·
North East favoured for £100m wind power research unit
The north-east of England is being considered as the site for a £100m wind power research centre.

Mitsubishi said it was looking at a number of sites in the region to carry out research into building the world's biggest turbine blades.

The government is supporting the development with grants of up to £30m.

Up to 200 skilled jobs would be created over the next few years, which Business Secretary Lord Mandelson believes could grow to 1,500.

More than £18m of government cash has also been earmarked for an existing offshore wind test site off the coast of Blyth.

Lord Mandelson and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband said they had signed a deal with Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe Ltd (MPSE).

Mitsubishi Chief Executive Akio Fukui said the firm was looking at a number of locations in the North East where a factory will be built for the research to be carried out.

He said a prototype turbine would be built within three years and the first full-scale production will start after four years.

Lord Mandelson said: "Mitsubishi's investment and the creation of 200 highly skilled jobs is great news for our future plans in low carbon, high technology industries.

"I'm delighted that we are also supporting the wind test site in the North East, which further strengthens the region's position as a leader in the offshore wind farm sector."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/tyne/8536154.stm
 
#102 ·
http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/news/news/131108.htm
Green light given for UK’s largest offshore wind demonstration site
The development of the UK’s largest offshore wind demonstration site has received a boost with dual planning consents being given to the construction of the site and the onshore substation.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has granted permission to the National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) to construct the grid-connected, upto 99.9MW demonstration project off the coast of Blyth in Northumberland. This will comprise a total of 15 turbines in 3 arrays in depths of 35, 45 and 55 metres and include cables back to shore.

Northumberland County Council has also granted permission for the construction of the supporting onshore infrastructure including the electrical substation that will transfer the power created by the demonstration turbines to the grid.

The project is the first large-scale, deep water demonstration site in the UK to be granted both offshore permits and onshore consent. It will provide a facility for industry to be able to test next-generation offshore wind technology in realistic environmental conditions before commercial production. The site will be used by manufacturers and wind farm developers to learn new approaches across the supply chain including the study of alternative foundation types and construction methods for the development, deployment, operation and maintenance of new turbine technologies.

Shaun Nicholson, Head of Offshore Marine Licensing for the MMO, explained "The Blyth project is the largest site we have approved for the testing of turbine devices.

"We aim to enable sustainable growth in making decisions about developments at sea. We consider economic benefits alongside any adverse impacts, such as on the environment and other uses of the marine area. We have worked with Narec to ensure the development satisfied such conditions."

For Narec, the £350 million demonstration site will be the final piece in the jigsaw as part of its strategy to provide a complete suite of independent open access test facilities, aiming to help manufacturers reduce the risks and costs associated with developing the new technologies that will be needed in Round 3 projects.

Andrew Mill, Narec’s Chief Executive said "We’re delighted to have reached such an important milestone. We’re now in talks with potential investment partners to build out the demonstration site. Construction of the first array is targeted to be completed in 2015."

Image taken from location of the 99MW offshore demonstration wind site looking towards Blyth, Northumberland with Narec’s offshore anemometry platform in the foreground. Courtesy of Narec:

 
#103 ·
Turbines in Northumberland turn views into 'Golgotha', Viscount Ridley warns

From today's Journal Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/turbines-northumberland-turn-views-golgotha-6290962

Turbines in Northumberland turn views into 'Golgotha', Viscount Ridley warns

By Adrian Pearson - 11th November 2013



Wind turbines have left parts of Northumberland looking more like Golgotha, a North East peer has warned.

Viscount Ridley has led an attack on inefficient and damaging turbines which, he said, have destroyed the county’s “sensational views” and while killing thousands of animals.

The peer hit out at a system which sees turbines put up across the country but fail to meet the UK’s energy needs.

Speaking in the House of Lords, the Blagdon estate owner said: “Already many of the most beautiful parts of this country have been scarred.

“In my native Northumberland my view of Simonside is now affected by wind farms, as are the Cheviots and the Wannies.

“Above all, the sensational view of the Northumberland skyline from Lindisfarne has been turned into a Golgotha.”

Golgotha is the hill where, according to the Gospels, Jesus was crucified.

Lord Ridley’s attack on wind turbines follows another by the Bishop of Newcastle, who last month said there “it is a basic Christian truth that we all have a duty and a responsibility to care for and exercise wise stewardship over God’s creation, which has been entrusted to us.”

Viscount Ridley, who helped establish Newcastle’s Centre for Life, said the wind farm spread was responsible for the large-scale death of wildlife across the UK.

He said: “There is a feeling that wind seems to be exempt from the normal rules.

“If I were to erect a structure 140 metres high, doubling the height above sea level of the hills alongside the valley of the Stinchar in Ayrshire, for example, there would rightly be an outcry. If I were to kill hundreds of birds of prey every year, there would be outrage. If I were to kill thousands of bats, I would go to jail.

“How can it be that the wind industry uniquely is allowed to ride roughshod over the environmental rules that protect the rest of us from anyone spoiling the view, killing eagles, decimating bats, and pouring concrete into peatland?

“The wind industry has proved uniquely insensitive when it comes to looking after the countryside.”

Read more @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/turbines-northumberland-turn-views-golgotha-6290962
 
#104 ·
Turbines in Northumberland turn views into 'Golgotha', Viscount Ridley warns

From today's Journal Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/turbines-northumberland-turn-views-golgotha-6290962

Turbines in Northumberland turn views into 'Golgotha', Viscount Ridley warns

By Adrian Pearson - 11th November 2013



Wind turbines have left parts of Northumberland looking more like Golgotha, a North East peer has warned.

Viscount Ridley has led an attack on inefficient and damaging turbines which, he said, have destroyed the county’s “sensational views” and while killing thousands of animals.

The peer hit out at a system which sees turbines put up across the country but fail to meet the UK’s energy needs.

Speaking in the House of Lords, the Blagdon estate owner said: “Already many of the most beautiful parts of this country have been scarred.

“In my native Northumberland my view of Simonside is now affected by wind farms, as are the Cheviots and the Wannies.

“Above all, the sensational view of the Northumberland skyline from Lindisfarne has been turned into a Golgotha.”

Golgotha is the hill where, according to the Gospels, Jesus was crucified.

Lord Ridley’s attack on wind turbines follows another by the Bishop of Newcastle, who last month said there “it is a basic Christian truth that we all have a duty and a responsibility to care for and exercise wise stewardship over God’s creation, which has been entrusted to us.”

Viscount Ridley, who helped establish Newcastle’s Centre for Life, said the wind farm spread was responsible for the large-scale death of wildlife across the UK.

He said: “There is a feeling that wind seems to be exempt from the normal rules.

“If I were to erect a structure 140 metres high, doubling the height above sea level of the hills alongside the valley of the Stinchar in Ayrshire, for example, there would rightly be an outcry. If I were to kill hundreds of birds of prey every year, there would be outrage. If I were to kill thousands of bats, I would go to jail.

“How can it be that the wind industry uniquely is allowed to ride roughshod over the environmental rules that protect the rest of us from anyone spoiling the view, killing eagles, decimating bats, and pouring concrete into peatland?

“The wind industry has proved uniquely insensitive when it comes to looking after the countryside.”

Read more @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/turbines-northumberland-turn-views-golgotha-6290962
 
#105 ·
No evidence of efficiency of turbines, says wind power firm

From today's Journal Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/wind-power-firm-operating-north-6321942

No evidence of efficiency of turbines, says wind power firm
By Brian Daniel - 20th November 2013


Landscape artist Barry Pringle of Beadnell

A company linked to a number of wind farms in the North East appeared stumped when asked how efficient its turbines are.

RWE npower, the sister company of RWE npower renewables - the firm behind 18 125-metre engines near Alnwick - has said there is “no answer as to how efficient wind power is” when asked by a customer in Northumberland to justify part of his bill subsidising renewable energy.

The company’s words were last night seized upon by anti-wind campaigners in Northumberland who have long questioned the efficiency of turbines such as RWE npower renewables’ site at Middlemoor, near Alnwick, which they say have destroyed the county’s cherished landscape.

Campaigners said they would have expected RWE npower to mount a case for wind power given its links to the renewable energy firm and said its response is further proof that there is no evidence to suggest turbines are efficient.

RWE npower renewables stressed that RWE npower is the retail part of the company, whereas it deals with wind energy and the like.

RWE npower’s comments came in a letter to retired Barry Pringle, 68, of Beadnell.

Mr Pringle, an npower customer, had written to the firm asking what percentage of his bill goes towards wind power and “how efficient is wind power.”

In reply, the company said: “There is no answer as to how efficient wind power (sic) so therefore we can not answer this question.”

Last night, Mr Pringle, a landscape painter, former art teacher and interior designer, claimed the company’s response is proof that turbines are “inefficient,” adding: “Everyone knows these things do not work.”

Mr Pringle explained that he had been moved to write to RWE npower after growing concerned that the money he is paying the firm was subsidising the RWE npower renewables’ wind turbines at Middlemoor, a development he believes has destroyed the area’s landscape.

Read more @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/wind-power-firm-operating-north-6321942
 
#106 ·
Wind farm company sells shares in Northumberland site for £70m

From today's Journal Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/wind-farm-company-sells-shares-6334258

Wind farm company sells shares in Northumberland site for £70m
By Brian Daniel - 23rd November 2013


Northumberland wind farm protester Andrew Joicey

A green energy company has sold half the shares in its Northumberland wind farm in a deal worth more than £70m.

RWE npower renewables, which developed the 18-turbine Middlemoor site near Alnwick, has announced that it has sold 49% of the shares in the project - and the same percentage of another of its sites - in a package totalling £70.6m.

Anti-wind farm campaigners living close to the site last night said they were not surprised by the sale - despite the vast amounts involved -given the large subsidies for renewable energy projects. They said they expected other developers to follow suit and called for the money to be used to reduce energy bills.

The company, part of the RWE Innogy group, sold the shares in its 125m turbines to Greencoat UK Wind plc.

The deal also saw it sell 49% of shares in a five 125m turbine wind farm in Nottinghamshire to the same firm.

No breakdown has been given for the value of the respective projects, though the Northumberland site is thought to be generating by far the largest income of the two.

RWE Innogy says it will reinvest the money in other renewable energy projects.

Last night, Cornhill farmer Andrew Joicey, who has fought a number of wind projects across North Northumberland, said: “It is entirely as I predicted. The returns for Greencoat are almost granted to be substantial and increasing thanks to the Government’s renewable energy policies.

“The Government have created a policy which creates a lot of subsidy income. Their income is bound to increase because of the way the subsidies work.”

Read more @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/wind-farm-company-sells-shares-6334258
 
#107 ·
Challenge to wind turbine close to ancient monuments in Northumberland thrown out by judge

From today's Journal Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/challenge-wind-turbine-close-ancient-6405264

Challenge to wind turbine close to ancient monuments in Northumberland thrown out by judge
By Brian Daniel - 14th December 2013


The Battle of Homildon Hill walk on the summit of Humbleton Hill

A wind turbine can be erected close to ancient monuments and historical sites in Northumberland after a high court judge dismissed a last ditch bid to halt the scheme.

Plans were approved to install an 18m engine on land just 750m from the site of the Battle of Homildon Hill, which was recounted in Shakespeare’s Henry IV.

However, an objector - who had been concerned about the impact on the landscape and the plethora of historical sites in the area - challenged the legality of the decision in the high court.

Now, the judge has dismissed the challenge, meaning the turbine can go up.

Landowner Robert Tait wanted to site the engine next to his home at Highburn House Caravan Park in Wooler to supply energy to his property, which also boasts a holiday cottage.

The site is only 800m from Northumberland National Park, 1.5km from the iron-age Humbleton Hill fort and 350m from the medieval Green Castle, which are both protected monuments.

Mr Tait was granted permission by Northumberland County Council in January.

Objector John Lancashire, of White Gables, Wooler, challenged the grant of permission as “unlawful,” hiring a barrister for a hearing last month.

Returning to court to give the verdict on Thursday, judge Mr Justice Blake dismissed the challenge,

Mr Tait last night said: “I am obviously pleased that I can go ahead with the project now. It is just a small turbine for a business.”

Mr Lancashire said: “Local people are very disappointed that the judicial review has gone the wrong way.

“We still think that because of its elevated and predominant postion, it would have a huge impact on the unspoilt landscape.”

Council planning boss Karen Ledger said: “It is obviously very pleasing to receive this judgement. It demonstrates that all our processes and procedures were followed correctly, and that the planning decision made was a sound one.”
 
#109 ·
Northumberland wind turbine bid approved despite opposition

From today's Journal Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/powburn-wind-turbine-bid-approved-7230338

Northumberland wind turbine bid approved despite opposition
Jun 07, 2014 09:25 By Brian Daniel



Opposition from South Africa and across the UK has failed to derail plans for a small wind turbine in the Northumberland countryside.

John Stanners, from Powburn, has been granted planning permission for the 21.5-metre generator which will power a small agricultural unit. The decision comes despite 57 letters of objection being sent to Northumberland County Council, including one from South Africa and a number from across the UK.

Mr Stanners last night asked: “What has it got to do with someone from South Africa or London? It is a local issue.”

Local objector Pru Redman, of Powburn, said the letters from afar could have been sent by people who had previously lived in the area or had visited for holidays.

Council papers say 22 of the letters “appear to be standard” in that they were almost identical and presumably based on a template.

Read more @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/powburn-wind-turbine-bid-approved-7230338
 
#110 ·
Minister rejects Fenrother wind farm plans to the delight of residents

Courtesy of today's Journal Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/eric-pickles-make-decision-fenrother-6186198

Eric Pickles to make decision on Fenrother wind farm
By The Journal - 15th October 2013



A decision by a Cabinet minister to take personal charge of a controversial application for a wind farm has been hailed as a breakthrough by campaigners.

They described the decision by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles to give himself the final say on the application for five turbines at Fenrother, near Morpeth, as “Christmas come early.”

In the summer Mr Pickles announced that he was changing planning guidance on onshore wind applications to ensure that the concerns of local people would be given proper weight.

Last week he said that some appeals by energy companies against refusal of plans for turbines would go to him for a final decision, to make sure his new guidelines were being followed.

Energiekontor UK Ltd’s appeal relating to its bid for five 126m turbines at Fenrotheris among the first schemes that he has pulled back for his personal attention.

The news was last night welcomed by campaigners fighting the Fenrother scheme, who claimed it not only increased their chances of success but also gave hope to others opposed to wind farm developments.

Energiekontor said the decision would delay the decision on its project while a renewable energy trade association said it was “unsure” why there is a need for more plans to be “recovered” by ministers.

The Fenrother scheme was thrown out by Northumberland County Council’s planning and environment committee in January.

A local action group set up to oppose the scheme had submitted a 71,000-word objection document, which was backed by more than 1,600 letters.

Read more @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/eric-pickles-make-decision-fenrother-6186198
From today's Journal Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/minister-rejects-fenrother-wind-farm-7551110

Minister rejects Fenrother wind farm plans to the delight of residents


Residents of Fenrother who are opposed to wind turbines being put up near their village

The government has rejected controversial plans for a wind farm in the Northumberland countryside, to the delight of objectors.

Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles has thrown out an appeal by Energiekontor UK Ltd relating to its refused bid for five 126m turbines at Fenrother, near Morpeth. Mr Pickles ruled that the impact on residents and the green belt outweighed the need for renewable energy.

The decision has sparked joy among objectors who said it was “validation for the hundreds of people who have fought for three years against this inappropriate proposal.”

The Fenrother scheme faced overwhelming objections with an action group set up to oppose it submitting a 71,000-word document, backed by more than 1,600 letters. Two local parish councils, the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, Northumberland National Park, Morpeth Civic Society and the Northumberland Badger Group also objected. Northumberland County Council officers recommended it be refused and their planning committee voted accordingly in January 2013. The developer then appealed and a public inquiry was held before a government planning inspector.

Last October, Mr Pickles announced he had recovered the appeal, allowing him to make the final decision. On Thursday, the minister announced he was rejecting the scheme, as the inspector had advised. Mr Pickles concluded that the site was within the green belt and that the scheme would be “inappropriate development” in such a location and would “harm the openness of the area. It would also “conflict” with the purpose of designating green belt - preventing encroachment into the countryside. The minister also ruled the proposal would “harm” residents’ living conditions, especially in Fenrother. Mr Pickles acknowledged the need for renewable energy, creation of jobs and improvements to the local footpath network. Yet he concluded: “Overall, the benefits of the proposal do not clearly outweigh the harm to the green belt and the harm to residents’ visual amenity.”

Read more @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/minister-rejects-fenrother-wind-farm-7551110
 
#111 ·
Berwick wind turbine plan looks set to get the green light

Courtesy of the Journal Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/berwick-wind-turbine-plan-looks-7676943

Berwick wind turbine plan looks set to get the green light
Aug 27, 2014 11:25 By Brian Daniel



Plans for two wind turbines in the Northumberland countryside which have split opinion look set to be approved.

An application for generators on farmland near Berwick has drawn 69 letters of objection from local residents plus one from the local parish council. Creators of a petition of 1,000 signatures against turbine development in the area have also voiced fears the project will cause “harm to the scenery” and potentially pollute the town’s water supply. Yet 52 letters of support have been penned and county council officers are now recommending the plans be approved because of a need for renewable developments.

The application is from Simon Maden of Maden Eco in Berwick and seeks two engines with a tip height of 46m on farm land North West of Murton White House at Tweedmouth, close to the A1. The proposals have divided opinion with 69 objectors writing to Northumberland County Council citing impacts upon residential amenity including noise, landscape cumulative impact, ecology, highways, tourism, and impacts on cultural heritage assets.

Opposition has also been based on impacts on landscape visual amenity and on the character of the landscape. Ord Parish Council has also objected citing adverse impact in terms of noise, residential amenity, cumulative impact, landscape character, wildlife and ecology, aviation and highway safety. The Tweedside Action Group, which is fighting the application and another at Tweedmouth, set up a petition to the county council calling for an end to wind development in the Berwick area, which over 1,000 people signed.

Read more @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/berwick-wind-turbine-plan-looks-7676943
 
#112 ·
EDF buys rights to develop Blyth Offshore Wind Demonstration Project

From yesterday's Journal Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/business/business-news/developer-sought-leading-renewable-energy-7188961

Developer sought for leading renewables site in Blyth, Northumberland

May 29, 2014 17:45 By Robert Gibson


Andrew Mill, non-executive director of the ORE Catapult

The North East is set to bolster its reputation as a leading renewable energy hub as The Crown Estate seeks a developer for the largest consented offshore wind farm testing facility in the UK.

The Blyth Offshore Wind Demonstration Project, developed by the National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec), can accommodate 15 turbines at depths of 35m, 45m and 55m, giving wind farm developers the opportunity trial technology cost-effectively in realistic conditions before commercial production.

Expressions of interest are now being sought from those capable of delivering an operational project by 2016/17. A tender process will begin once the level of market interest has been established. A capital investment of between £200m and £300m will be required to bring the 14 sq km site into full deployment, raising the possibility of significant knock-on benefits in terms of employment and prestige.

The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, which now encompasses Narec, will be selling complementary assets - primarily the grid connection, associated onshore land rights and wind data - and is planning to dispose of its shares in the project.

However, it has confirmed it will be retaining its nearby Offshore Anemometry Platform and anticipates a close working relationship with the new developer. The ORE Catapult now employs around 70 people in Blyth and 46 in Glasgow. The wind demonstration project, which has planning consent for a 99MW scheme, will allow deep water testing of technologies that could eventually be incorporated into commercial projects, helping reduce costs and facilitating future growth.

Read more @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/business/business-news/developer-sought-leading-renewable-energy-7188961
From today's Chronicle Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/edf-buys-rights-develop-blyth-8035795
EDF buys rights to develop Blyth Offshore Wind Demonstration Project
Nov 02, 2014 12:39 By Brian Daniel



A major player in the wind industry has bought the rights to develop a site off the coast of Northumberland.

EDF Energy Renewables (EDF ER) has acquired the rights to develop the Blyth Offshore Wind Demonstration Project, with potential for 15 turbines and the largest consented offshore wind testing facility in the UK. The MP for Blyth has welcomed the deal, claiming the project has the potential to offer hundreds of jobs for local people.

The site, around five to 10k offshore from the port of Blyth, could accommodate up to 15 turbines of up to 195m tall, and and provides an area to trial new technology. It was taken through the planning process by the National Renewable Energy Centre (NAREC), now the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (OREC.) The site was put on the market by the Crown Estate, the organisation which manages the UK seabed, earlier this year in order to secure a developer capable of delivering an operational test and demonstration project on site by 2016/17.

EDF ER has now announced that it has acquired the rights to develop the project, having secured the seabed rights from The Crown Estate, and associated land rights and meteorological data from the OREC. EDF Energy research and development and OREC have also entered into a collaboration agreement with the aim of developing research and development projects to tackle some of the technology challenges facing the sector EDF ER is expected to make a final investment decision on building the site next year.

Read more @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/edf-buys-rights-develop-blyth-8035795
 
#113 ·
This from the Northern Echo,--

Parish councils unite against wind farm plans


PARISH councils across the Durham dales have united against plans for a wind farm.

More than 20 parish councils and other community groups are objecting to the plans by Banks Renewables which is proposing to build the Windy Bank wind farm on agricultural land between Woodland Village and the edge of Hamsterley Forest, in Teesdale, County Durham.

The group plans to erect four 125m wind turbines on the site which they say will create about 30 jobs and benefit the area’s businesses with their associated community benefits fund which would be worth about £70,000 every year.

However, residents have submitted more than 200 complaints to Durham County Council saying it will damage the area’s beauty as well as harm tourism.
Read more http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/ne...arish_councils_unite_against_wind_farm_plans/
 
#115 ·
News for Sedgefield,--

This from the Northen Echo,--

Sedgefield MP urges council to reject The Isles wind farm plans in objection letter


AN MP has urged planning chiefs to reject plans for a 24-turbine wind farm in his constituency.

Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson believes The Isles wind farm will have a detrimental effect on nearby towns and villages and has outlined his reasons in a letter to Durham County Council’s principal planning officer, Claire Teasdale.

E.ON, the energy company behind the proposed scheme, has submitted plans for 24 turbines across two sites close to the A1 motorway, near Newton Aycliffe and Sedgefield.

Read more http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/ne...he_Isles_wind_farm_plans_in_objection_letter/
 
#116 ·
Plans for major offshore wind facility on Tyneside halted amid market uncertainties.


Plans to build a multi-million pound offshore wind components factory that would have created hundreds of jobs on Tyneside have been put on ice amid uncertainties in the industry.
Wallsend-based Offshore Group Newcastle (OGN) estimated that 800 jobs could be created when they received planning approval for the 36,000 sq m factory in 2012.
The firm’s subsidiary, Aquind Limited, was granted £4.5m in Regional Growth Fund money to use in support of the construction of the £50m facility at OGN’s existing Hadrian Yard.
Citing “delays and uncertainties” relating to the market for offshore wind in the UK and Europe, OGN said it had withdrawn from the RGF grant offer because it did not expect to use the money within the allotted timeframe.
No money was drawn down from the RGF pot and the company’s plans remain on hold.
http://www.thejournal.co.uk/business/business-news/plans-major-offshore-wind-facility-8456280
 
#117 ·
Turbines at Barmoor near Berwick in Northumberland finally start turning

From today's Journal Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/turbines-barmoor-near-berwick-northumberland-8491120
Turbines at Barmoor near Berwick in Northumberland finally start turning
Jan 22, 2015 08:30 By Brian Daniel


Barmoor wind farm near Berwick

Huge wind turbines which were allowed by the government in the face of massive opposition have finally begun turning.

Plans for six 110m engines at Barmoor near Berwick were given the go-ahead by a government minister in 2010, having been fought by hundreds of local people for several years including through a public inquiry. They have now finally begun turning, with one man who led the fight claiming the generators are the blot on the landscape he warned they would be.

A planning application from Catamount Energy and Force 9 Energy was first submitted to the now defunct Berwick Borough Council in 2006. Scores of local people formed the Save our Unspoilt Landscape (SOUL) action group to fight the proposal, fearing the turbines would ruin views of the surrounding countryside and put off visitors. The plan was rejected by the borough council in March 2008, alongside projects for turbines at Toft Hill and Moorsyde.

However, all three developers appealed and a joint public inquiry took place in 2009. Then secretary of state for communities and local government John Denham gave approval for the Barmoor wind farm to be built a year later, but rejected the other two schemes.

Five years on, the turbines have finally begun turning. EDF Energy Renewables, which acquired the scheme last year, says the scheme is capable of producing enough low carbon electricity to meet the annual needs of approximately 6,500 homes.

Read more @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/turbines-barmoor-near-berwick-northumberland-8491120
 
#118 ·
Banks’ £16 million Durham wind farm project gains local backing

From today's Bdaily @ https://bdaily.co.uk/environment/04...durham-wind-farm-project-gains-local-backing/
Banks’ £16 million Durham wind farm project gains local backing
4th March 2015 by Jamie Hardisty



Dozens of residents of a Teesdale village have written to Durham County Council to express their support for a wind farm development being planned in their area.

Sixty-five letters have been submitted by residents of Evenwood village alone in support of County Durham-based Banks Renewables’ proposed Windy Bank wind farm, which would be located around three miles from their homes. Reasons given by the residents for their support for the project include the jobs that the project will create, the support for local good causes that the community funding will provide, the commercial opportunities for local firms and its environmental benefits.

Luke Bannister, who is secretary of Evenwood Cricket Club, said: "The community funding that this project would bring here would make a massive difference to what’s available for people to enjoy in our area in the future, the green energy it would generate would also be important for doing our bit for the environment A lot of the people that I’ve spoken to in the local area are supportive of the wind farm proposals and are keen to see it built. We’ve had wind turbines down the road at Tow Law for several years, they’re part of the landscape and I really don’t see that there are any problems with how they look."

Banks is looking to invest over £16m in the four-turbine Windy Bank wind farm. The associated community benefits fund would be worth around £70,000 every year, or up to £1.75m over the project’s 25-year lifespan. The fund will support priorities which the local people feel are important to them and will have the greatest local benefit and Banks has been developing new measures to boost local employment opportunities, improve access to apprenticeships and enhance skills training.

Instigating work to tackle local domestic fuel poverty and energy efficiency issues has also been noted by people in the area as a possible area that could be supported by the fund. Around 30 jobs would be created during the site preparation and construction phases of the scheme, with local firms having the opportunity to tender for a range of related contracts worth up to £3.5m for different aspects of the project, including construction, security, accommodation and catering.

Read more @ https://bdaily.co.uk/environment/04...durham-wind-farm-project-gains-local-backing/
 
#119 ·
World's longest electricity connector to be built between Norway and Blyth

From today's Chronicle Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news...s-longest-electricity-connector-built-8945045
World's longest electricity connector to be built between Norway and Blyth
15:30, 30 March 2015 By Hugh Macknight

The world’s longest electricity connector is to be built between Blyth and Norway to supply low-carbon power from the Scandinavian country.

The 450-mile (724km) long “interconnector”, which has the capacity to supply enough electricity to power nearly three quarters of a million UK homes, will help with energy security and could cut consumer bills, officials said. It will be the first electricity interconnector between Norway and the UK, with the £1.5 billion cost of the scheme split between both. The scheme will allow the UK to import electricity from Norway’s hydropower schemes, for example when British wind farms are not generating power, and could mean as much as 14% of the electricity used in British homes comes from the green energy source.

It is also estimated that the scheme, which will run from Blyth in Northumberland to Kvilldal in Rogaland on the Norwegian side, will bring cheaper electricity to the UK and deliver savings to consumers of £3.5 billion over 25 years, or £56 million a year. The deal is being signed between National Grid and Statnett, the Norwegian transmission system operator, at the British Embassy in Oslo, and the connector is set to be completed by 2021.

Alan Foster, director of European business development for National Grid, said: “Access to low-carbon energy from Norway hydro power stations will help us meet the challenge of greener, affordable energy. It also adds to the diversity of energy sources for UK and potentially can reduce peak prices with benefits for consumers and businesses.”

Energy Secretary Ed Davey said: “Britain will benefit from Norwegian green hydropower, at the flick of a switch, providing green backup power when the wind’s not blowing, and this will actually save people money. Coming after the recent confirmation of the Nemo interconnector project with Belgium, I am proud we are now seeing a huge increase in Britain’s energy options, and the prospect of a real single energy market and energy supergrid in Europe.”
 
#120 ·
This from the News & Star,--



News & Star
News

Cumbria council set to object to wind turbines plan

By Duncan Bick

Last updated at 10:28, Tuesday, 31 March 2015

A council is set to join the list of objectors against plans to erect wind turbines in a pocket of rural Cumbria.

Renewable energy firm Airvolution has tabled plans to build three wind turbines on farmland to the west of Aspatria.

The turbines would be 110m tall and built on land across White Lees Farm, Aigle Gill Farm and West Farm on the outskirts of the town, if plans are approved by Allerdale council.

The plans are the latest in a series of applications to install wind turbines and solar parks in the area. Members of Cumbria County Council’s development control and regulation committee are set to discuss the application.

A report to councillors has recommended that the authority should submit an objection to the proposals.

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/cumbria-council-set-to-object-to-wind-turbines-plan-1.1202535
 
#121 ·
This from the News & Star,--

Wind turbine bid for 20,000 solar panels park site

By Jenny Barwise

Last updated at 08:13, Monday, 13 April 2015

Plans have been revealed for a wind turbine – the height of three double decker buses – to be built on land already earmarked for a massive solar park.

An application for a scheme which would see almost 20,000 solar panels on land at Moor House Farm in Winscales, Workington, is due to go before Allerdale planners in the near future.

And fresh plans have now been unveiled which would see a 45m high (147ft) wind turbine built on the same land.

People living near to the targeted land have been sent out information leaflets this week from the company behind the scheme – Mosscliff Environment, which is based at the University of Exeter.

Campaign group Friends of Rural Cumbria’s Environment (FORCE) is against the latest scheme.

Read more http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/wind-turbine-bid-for-20-000-solar-panels-park-site-1.1204958
 
#122 ·
Belford wind farm: Developer EnergieKontor will not be appealing refusal decision

Courtesy of today's Chronicle Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news...ord-wind-farm-developer-energiekontor-9065058
Belford wind farm: Developer EnergieKontor will not be appealing refusal decision
15:30, 17 April 2015 By Brian Daniel


Chris and Georgina Leyland from the Middleton Burn Action Group explain about the proposed site to Fiona and Simon Gaskin-Colligan in Belford market place

Residents at a Northumberland village are celebrating after a wind farm developer revealed it would not be appealing.

People at Belford have been told EnergieKontor UK (EK) will not be challenging Northumberland County Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for nine turbines at Belford Burn. The action group which fought the scheme has called the news “a major and historic victory for the democratic principle and the local community.”

The developer had hoped to put up 100m high turbines. However, the county council’s planning and environment committee voted unanimously to refuse last October, as recommended by officers. The developer had six months from the decision to lodge an appeal, with that period expiring last week. And in an email to the council and the Middleton Burn Action Group (MBAG), project manager Michael Briggs said: “I can confirm that we have decided to not appeal this planning refusal within the statutory six month window.”

Reacting, action group vice chairman Kerry Noble said: “This is a major and historic victory for the democratic principle and the local community who have repeatedly returned a 98%+ objection throughout the planning process. MBAG would like to thank everyone concerned for their generosity in time and donations to bring about this tremendous outcome in saving our beautiful area from further turbine blight. We must not, however, become complacent. EK have a further six months to submit a revised application although we deem this unlikely.

Read more @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news...ord-wind-farm-developer-energiekontor-9065058
 
#123 ·
County Durham families object to plans for wind farm near to Woodland Village

Courtesy of the Chronicle Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/county-durham-families-object-plans-9148085
County Durham families object to plans for wind farm near to Woodland Village
08:30, 30 April 2015 By Katie Davies


Phil **** development director at Banks Renewables

Plans to erect a wind farm near to a County Durham village have been met with opposition.

Leaders from Durham County Council will met next week to discuss proposals to install four wind turbines on agricultural land between Woodland Village and the edge of Hamsterley Forest, in Teesdale, County Durham. Community groups and people living close to the site are objecting to the plans by Banks Renewables.

The group plans to erect four 125m wind turbines on the site which they say will create about 30 jobs and benefit the area’s businesses, thanks to a community fund which would be worth about £70,000 every year. But residents submitted more than 200 letters of objection when original plans were put in for five turbines in 2011. Concerns included noise, safety issues, traffic and ecology. Similar issues were also put forward in 122 further letters following the latest submission.

However a planning document due to be put before the council next week said 211 letters of support had also been received for the proposed development, from businesses that supply or would supply services to the applicant or to the wind industry. Officicers have recommended refusing the plans. The report, due before the council, read: “The proposed development would have significant effects on the character of the local landscape and on the special character of an Area of High Landscape Value conflicting with Teesdale Local Plan Policy.” It went on to say that the proposals would have “significant effects on the special character and qualities of the North Pennines.”

Phil ****, development director at Banks Renewables, said: “We have had substantial amounts of support for the Windy Bank wind farm from residents, community groups and local employers who appreciate the positive impact that it would have on the area in terms of employment, investment and improvements to the facilities available for local people to enjoy for decades to come, and all alongside the home-grown, clean, green energy it would generate.

Read more @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/county-durham-families-object-plans-9148085
 
#124 ·
This from the Northern Echo,--

Future of County Durham wind farm to be decided this week



First published Sunday 3 May 2015 in News
Last updated 18:25 Sunday 3 May 2015

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to erect four 125 metre high wind turbines near a County Durham village will be decided at a council planning meeting this week.

The £16m development has been met with fierce objections from action group HUGAG (Hamsterley Upper Gaunless Action Group) which argues the turbines would have an adverse affect on local residents, wildlife and landscape.

It has also attracted opposition from 26 parish councils in the area, together with Natural England, North Pennines AONB, the RSPB, Durham Wildlife Trust and a number of other wildlife organisations.

An initial planning application for the land next to Hamsterley Forrest, sought permission for five 115m high turbines, however this was scaled down in response to public feedback last summer.

The company behind the plans, Banks Renewables, say the scheme would bring around 30 jobs to the area during construction and give local firms the opportunity to tender for contracts worth up to £3.5m.

Read more http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/ne...nty_Durham_wind_farm_to_be_decided_this_week/
 
#125 ·
Plans refused for £16m wind farm



From today's Insider Media Limited @ http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/north-east/138861-plans-refused-16m-wind-farm
Plans refused for £16m wind farm
06 May 2015

Plans for a controversial £16m wind farm in Durham which could have created about 30 jobs and secured a further 160 have been refused.

The Windy Bank farm development had been backed by the likes of the NECC, CBI and Federation of Small Businesses but a backlash from locals and the "significant effects" it would have on the landscape hampered the proposal.

Banks Renewables submitted plans to Durham County Council for the erection of four wind turbines, a control building, substation and other ancillary buildings on the 728 acre site, which lies south of Windy Bank Road. The proposal stated that although the application site comprises 728 acres, just three acres would have been disturbed.

The North East arms of the CBI and The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) had both written to Durham County Council to express support for the proposed Windy Bank wind farm. The site owners also highlighted the positive impact it would have on the community in terms of generating both clean energy and new funds for investment, as well as creating jobs. The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) urged councillors to "look favourably" upon proposals to develop a wind farm in Teesdale after praising the positive economic and employment impact it could have on the region.

However, more than 20 parish councils in the area objected to the scheme, citing reasons including the adverse effects it would have on the landscape, the risk of it encouraging further wind farms to be built in the area and the lack of any local economic benefit, among other reasons.

Read more @ http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/north-east/138861-plans-refused-16m-wind-farm
 
#126 ·
Northumberland campaigners 'cautiously' welcome new energy secretary's windfarm pledge

From today's Chronicle Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news...nd-campaigners-cautiously-welcome-new-9279898
Northumberland campaigners 'cautiously' welcome new energy secretary's windfarm pledge
14:45, 18 May 2015 By Kate Proctor


Amber Rudd arriving in Downing Street the day Prime Minister David Cameron announces his new Cabinet

Windfarm campaign groups could veto new developments after the Government pledged a change in planning law.

Giving her first interview since becoming new Conservative energy secretary, Amber Rudd said she wants to put the “local community back in charge” and ban subsidies being paid out to new onshore turbine operators.

Yet anti-windfarm campaigners in Northumberland, which is subject to several plans, are “cautiously optimistic” over her pledge made in the Sunday Times, and want new consultation promises to be truely meaningful as residents views have so far been “completely ignored”. Nine turbines each over 400 feet tall are currently planned at a site at Ditchburn near Eglingham.

Miss Rudd, who takes over from ousted Lib Dem Ed Davey, said legislation will be included in the Queen’s speech later this month. Current planning rules will also be overhauled and Miss Rudd she’d pressured her team to make it a priority. She said: “It will mean no more onshore wind farm subsidies and no more onshore windfarms without local community support. “Local planning authorities combined with no new subsidies will be put local people in charge... there will be a much more accountable democratic process.”

The detail of how the new-look local community consultation model is yet to be clarified, as residents are already able to write in and have their letters of objections or support noted and the parish council are also able to have a say - although their views do not bind the local authority. The new rules are expected to include a greater weighting towards the views of the community when it comes to a local authority planning committee making its final decision.

Read more @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news...nd-campaigners-cautiously-welcome-new-9279898
 
#127 ·
Northumberland residents oppose Ditchburn wind farm plan at exhibition

From today's Chronicle Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news...rland-residents-oppose-ditchburn-wind-9380738
Northumberland residents oppose Ditchburn wind farm plan at exhibition
08:30, 4 June 2015 By Brian Daniel


Existing wind turbines near Eglingham in North Northumberland

Residents have shown overwhelming opposition to proposals for yet more massive wind turbines close to their homes.

An action group set up to fight a scheme for nine generators close to “England’s biggest onshore wind farm” in Northumberland carried out an exit poll at an exhibition of the plans. More than 50 people took part and one hundred percent indicated opposition to the project.

Developer PNE Wind is working on a scheme for turbines on Ditchburn Farm, north of Eglingham, near Alnwick. The site is alongside 28 operational 125m generators - the 18 turbine RWE Innogy Middlemoor project and 10 generators of Blue Energy at Wandylaw. The company says the scheme would generate enough electricity to power more than 17,000 homes, would provide a community benefit fund of £5,000 per installed megawatt and that there would be contract opportunities for local businesses during construction.

Locals formed the Ditchburn Action Group to fight the proposals, with members believing their area has suffered enough from the perceived blight of turbines, and that the generators will impact on historic sites, the landscape and on property values. Group member John Waters, who lives at Eglingham, explained: “There is no doubt almost 100 percent of the whole parish, not just Eglingham, are opposed to the scheme.We already have 18 turbines up on Middlemoor and Wandylaw. To our knowledge that is the biggest onshore wind farm development in England".

The company is this week holding a three day public exhibition of its plans in the area. At the first day at Eglingham Village Hall on Monday, over 50 people filled in an exit poll conducted by the action group. One hundred percent of respondents indicated they were opposed to the scheme.

Read more @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news...rland-residents-oppose-ditchburn-wind-9380738


 
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