Changing
face of the
countryside
It’s easy when you don’t fully
understand something to either
become a sceptic, or be swept
away on a wave of euphorbia!
Wind turbines seem to be the
‘in thing’ to fight for, whether
it’s for saving all mankind or
the prospect of ruining our very
precious, and lets face it, small
landscape!
I quite like the term ‘NIMBY’ and, in fairness,
it’s only natural to be protective of our
immediate environment. Without such
nimby’s, companies or ‘wheeler-dealers’
could take advantage of individuals and
communities, often to the detriment of
many, but for the benefit of a few.
Wind turbines (farms) are one of the hot
potatoes on the island. Virtually everyone
you speak to has a view. Now, I’m not a
scientist, or a specialist in this area, so I have
to believe in the media, or how ‘evidence’ is
put across from either side.
We are dependant on many large
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Article by Tony Ridd
businesses/industries for what are now
essential items of living. Electricity is one of
these. Through government legislation, (or
the EEC), renewable sources of energy or
‘green energy’ are having, to be found and
utilised. There are good incentives (financial
rewards), for doing this.
Cornwall Light and Power (CLP) in
partnership with Vestas have submitted a
planning application for a ‘Wind Energy
Project’ – three wind turbines.
CLP already operate seven such sites on
the mainland, with Vestas, well known for
making the blades here on the island, seeing
it, as a marketing opportunity, so clients can
get to see the factory, witnessing research
and development of the blades and a field
trip, all in one go.
If it goes ahead, CLP claim that Isle of
Wight residents and businesses will probably
get to use this green electricity. We will of
cause not know for sure nor benefit from
cheaper electricity!
Research shows that Cheverton Down’s,
average wind speed is 8.2 meters per second
(mps). This compares favourably with
other wind turbine sites that CLP operate,
measuring only 6.5 mps. Greater wind
speed equals more electricity. Although it
is estimated that the turbines will only be
working at maximum capacity for 27-30%
they should be producing electricity 80% of
the time.
CLP calculate the cost of this project to be
9-10 million pounds, all to be independently
funded. In return, when they start to
produce electricity they will be rewarded
with ROC’s (Renewable Energy Certificates)
given to them through a Government
Incentive Scheme, these are a saleable
commodity.
However as is so often the case today,
where there’s a Ying, there is also a Yang…
And the thorn in CLP’s side is the
rejuvenated ‘ThWART’ (The Wight Against
Rural Turbines) a pressure group that was
set up to fight the proposed wind farm at
Thorley a couple of years ago.
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