Sonia Hawkey and her family live in Delabole, and so to them the repowering of Good Energy’s wind farm has a huge impact. Over the next few months, Sonia will be writing a blog for Good Energy about the impact of the new wind farm and what the new turbines mean to her and her fellow Delabolians.

"As Cornish villages go, I’ll admit that Delabole doesn’t quite have the postcard charm of Boscastle or Port Isaac. Instead, we have a cornershop, a quarry and a damn good chippy. Oh, and the UK’s first commercial wind farm; 10 gleaming white turbines that take advantage of our characteristically blustery weather and convert it into good, clean energy.

Since its establishment in 1991, we Delabolians have taken the wind farm for granted, somewhat so that now, amidst plans for the repowering of the Delabole Wind Farm, I think it’s high time that someone defended our turbines and dispelled some of the myths associated with this form of energy.

One main opposition often bandied about by the NIMBYists is the aesthetic issue.  I remember entering into a discussion with a tourist about this a few years ago and let me tell you, as one who does have wind turbines in their back yard, I personally don’t find them as offensive as often portrayed. In fact, on a clear day (and remember, this is Cornwall: it’s often too overcast to even see the propellers...), I think that the turbines’ clean white lines bring a certain tranquillity to the landscape, especially, while you’re being blown off your feet by the coastal breeze!  The thing is, it would take an awful lot to detract from Cornwall’s natural beauty and I think our wind farm carries the balance perfectly.  And, given that the alternative had been plans for a nuclear power station  , the question of what one would prefer needs hardly be asked.

Delabole is allegedly one of the only villages from which you used to be able to stand on a wall and see both the Atlantic and the top of Brown Willy, Cornwall’s highest peak.  While the landscape has changed dramatically over the years, the wind farm has certainly made the view more unique.  Indeed, having been away from Cornwall at university and following the long drives home from up country, I know I’m home when I see them.

Well, I’ll be greeted by a different scene on my next trip back and I’m eager to see the changes. Stay tuned over the coming months to find out more about the repower and what it means for the community!"