Researchers warn of ‘urgent’ need to understand impact of windfarms on precious peatlands

There is an urgent need to assess the potential impact of windfarms being installed on precious and vulnerable peatlands, according to a new study.

The study revealed more than 640 wind turbines on blanket bogs across the European Union and the UK

Environmental scientists at Nottingham Trent University have for the first time mapped the extent of known windfarm infrastructures, such as wind turbines and vehicle tracks, on recognised blanket bogs in Europe.

Blanket bogs – a rare type of peatland commonly found in areas with lots of rain and low temperatures – are typically found on hill summits where wind energy potential is higher, making them attractive sites for windfarm developments.

Watch: wind farms – a lot more than meets the eye

Here is a description of what is involved in building a wind farm. The 7 turbines involved in this Irish project are not as big as the 13 proposed for Mynydd Maen.

The Irish Farmers Journal visited the recently completed Lenalea wind farm in Donegal to see what makes them tick.

Wind farm rejected over ‘significant’ impact on environment

Plans for a wind farm in the Scottish Borders have been refused due to its detrimental impact on the landscape.

After a public inquiry the Scottish government rejected the wind farm due to its “significant” landscape and visual impact.

Concerns mount about Welsh planning system

Concerns about an increasingly important element of Wales’ planning system are growing, with some local authority officials saying their departments are being put under pressure. CPRW, the Welsh countryside charity, has claimed that the new Developments of National Significance planning system, intended to fast-track renewable energy projects, is not fit for purpose. The DNS system, […]

Wasted wind power adds £40 to household energy bills, says think tank

That figure could increase to £150 in 2026, Carbon Tracker has estimated.

When it is very windy, the grid cannot handle the extra power generated. Wind farms are paid to switch off and gas-powered stations are paid to fire up. The cost is passed on to consumers.

The government said major reforms will halve the time it takes to build energy networks to cope with extra wind power.

Welsh wind farm project accused of “misleading claims”

An energy group involved in the development of a network of wind farms across Wales has come under fire for allegedly publishing misleading claims about the project.

The countryside charity, Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW), has lodged a formal complaint with the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) regarding statements made by companies affiliated with the Bute Energy Group on their websites.

Experts Seek to Spare Bats From Wind Turbine Collisions

Land-based wind turbines kill as many as 880,000 bats a year, wiping out so many threatened bats that at least one species could soon become endangered without preventative action, according to a recent study. Bat conservation experts and scientists say they currently do not know how to stop turbine collisions. So the U.S. Department of […]

Archaeologist’s concerns over impact of potential new wind farm

An archaeologist has raised concerns over the impact of a potential new wind farm in Caerphilly County Borough – with fears that important historical features could be affected. The Twyn Hywel Energy Park could see 14 turbines built on land between Senghenydd, Nelson and Cilfynydd. However, Professor George Nash, a specialist in rock art from […]