As any cyclist will tell you, the UK is not short of wind. Studies suggest that we have 40% of Europe’s supply, making wind power a potentially attractive source of renewable energy, although it currently accounts for only 10-11% of electricity supplied.
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As turbines need a good, uninterrupted supply of wind to operate efficiently, they tend to be sited on remote, hilly and coastal locations – which are often greatly valued for their wildlife and undeveloped, ‘natural’ aesthetic.
In April 2008, planning permission for the UK’s largest onshore windfarm, a £500million, 181 turbine project on the Island of Lewis, was rejected by the Scottish Government due to its likely impact on birdlife.
Being out of sight, off-shore farms are generally better received. Turbines have been operating offshore in the UK, Denmark and Germany, for example, for several years with a good reliability record. There is some evidence to show that offshore turbines interfere with maritime radar, and this is being investigated. It is also thought that, being off-limits to fishing boats, off-shore wind-farms may act as mini-marine sanctuaries and provide safe hatcheries for some fish species.
There are a number of wind farms in development in the UK. Learn more about the future for wind farms.
Our Engineering Policy Unit works closely with members to raise the profile of engineers and engineering potential, to generate discussion and provide thought leadership.
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