In today’s news in the U.K.,
MP calls for ‘real green energy plan’ and slams ‘simplistic’ wind farm proposals
EDF Energy Renewables Ltd is seeking planning permission for a 70m-high meteorological mast at land north of Sturton High House Farm.
If approved, the mast would gather information on wind speeds and weather conditions for an environmental impact assessment (EIA), in preparation for a planning application for a wind farm.
A “scoping study” by the company has already suggested 10 turbines, each capable of generating two megawatts, to be located south of South Wheatley and between Clarborough and Sturton-le-Steeple.
This week, Bassetlaw MP John Mann said the district was in danger of being ‘overwhelmed’ by wind farms, which would have ‘minimal impact’ on energy needs.
He said: “A real green energy plan for Bassetlaw would involve installing solar panels and ground source heating throughout Bassetlaw’s housing and civic building stock which would provide free energy for tenants and they should be giving planning priority only to new build properties that use sustainable energy.
“Considering the coal heritage and three major power stations in the area, Bassetlaw people should reject this simplistic imposition of wind turbines and insist on a real green energy policy that starts with every A1 bungalow getting free installation of green energy with the huge benefit of cheaper bills.”
A spokesman for EDF Energy Renewables defended the company’s plans for a wind farm in the area, adding that the UK needed such projects to meet renewable energy targets.
“EDF Energy Renewables is committed to developing new low carbon electricity generating capacity, to help met the UK’s tough targets for tackling climate change and we believe this is a suitable site,” he said.
“Meeting those targets requires significant investment in all low carbon technologies, energy efficiency measures and de-carbonising the country’s transport system. It will require a wide range of projects of differing scales to achieve.”
As reported last month, EDF’s proposal is one of three possible wind farms on the cards for land around Retford.
It joins plans by the Environment Agency for six 2.5 megawatt turbines on land between Saundby and Gainsborough, and an appeal by ProWind against Bassetlaw Council‘s refusal of permission for a further 12 turbines in the Cottam area.
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A “real energy plan” the MP says, would focus on small-scale initiatives, not “simplistic” wind turbine projects that benefit only the corporate wind developer.
The realization that wind just won’t do the job is spreading.
