By Lorna Edwards

 

A report in The Telegraph this weekend predicts an influx of planning applications for ‘giant’ wind turbines marching across the UK and laments their visual impact on the landscape.

The report all but ignores the higher generating potential offered by taller turbines, not to mention the contribution renewable energy needs to make to cutting our carbon emissions; and assumes public opinion will be universally against them.

As regular readers of this blog will know, we are nearing the completion of our redevelopment of Delabole Wind Farm in North Cornwall. Set up in 1991, Delabole was the first commercial wind farm in the UK. As part of our early consultation process for the redevelopment we initially offered the local community a choice between having either nine smaller turbines or six larger ones - illustrated by photomontages showing their impact on the landscape, with information about the carbon savings for each option. The big guys won by an overwhelming majority.

Not only have we replaced 10 small turbines with just four larger ones (99.5m to tip height) but we have also increased the generating capacity of the wind farm by two and a half times saving over 13 700 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. Yes, the turbines at Delabole can now be seen from further away than before, but the local residents clearly felt it was a worthwhile compromise.

So, what are the benefits of installing taller turbines? Standing at a greater height allows for a more consistent wind less affected by turbulence caused by obstructions such as buildings and trees. These newer gearless Enercon turbines are not only quieter but require less maintenance as they have fewer moving parts, and can perform at higher wind speeds due to improvements in technology. They are more expensive to install initially, but are more cost effective over time thanks to their higher power output.

We need more onshore wind turbines in the UK if we are to achieve the Government’s target of 15% of our energy coming from renewables by 2020. Let’s not forget that the UK is the windiest country in Europe although wind power only currently supplies 2.2% of the UK’s electricity needs. If wind power is to take on the leading role in meeting this target, we’ll need around 33GW which could translate to over £60bn worth of investment and create 160,000 ‘green collar’ jobs.

We can rely on these friendly giants for their help in achieving this.