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Wind pressure group lays on its first demo
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| WE WANT WIND: The new Say Yes to Wind Power campaigning group make their views clear |
A CAMPAIGNING group has been launched to develop
support for a new wind farm in Dorset.
The new pressure group, Say Yes to Wind Power, has held its first demonstration to raise awareness and generate more people to back the proposed Alaska Wind Farm near Wool
Wareham resident Peter Barker, who has joined the campaign, says he wants to highlight the importance of wind farms as a renewable, clean form of energy.
He said: "We recognise the need
to move away from burning fossil
fuels and start to understand that wind energy is necessary as part
of a safe and efficient energy solution.
"In Germany it has been proven that by using a combination of wind, solar and biogas, electricity supply can be met with 100 per cent renewables so there is no need for climate-wrecking coal-fired power stations or nuclear waste."
Mr Barker added that he has visited a large wind farm and is supporting the scheme in the belief that no one will be adversely affected.
In December, the turbine company Infinergy held a public consultation where they explained to residents and councillors how the proposed turbines would work and the impact they would have on the environment.
The plan is to place six wind turbines around the existing Masters Pit Quarry with each one reaching 125m high at the tip of their blades.
Some residents have objected to the scheme, which could be in place by 2009, because of the noise and environmental impact on the Purbeck hills.
Opponents also claim the wind farm would be ineffective, but Mr Barker says that when running at 30 per cent capacity the turbines would still produce enough power to run 9,000 homes per year.
A further awareness day is planned for March 29 to combine information, fun and a letter-writing appeal.
The group is asking for supporters to write to the Purbeck District Council planning department to express their support.
9:21am Tuesday 25th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Tru Belle, purbeck on 9:52am Tue 25 Mar 08
Just a moment , Echo-
these people have come out from Verwood and Ferndown. They are the larger connurbation- give them the damned things all 500ft of them , and as high as the Purbecks.
Once again this part of Dorset is a dumping ground for everything that other people don't want, in order for more power to be created to be wasted!!
I say switch off, and do not forget World switch off day on the 29th March, where every world wide city will be saving power,by switching off for an hour, with in reason.
Just a moment , Echo-
these people have come out from Verwood and Ferndown. They are the larger connurbation- give them the damned things all 500ft of them , and as high as the Purbecks.
Once again this part of Dorset is a dumping ground for everything that other people don't want, in order for more power to be created to be wasted!!
I say switch off, and do not forget World switch off day on the 29th March, where every world wide city will be saving power,by switching off for an hour, with in reason.
Posted by: David Smith, Weymouth on 1:48pm Tue 25 Mar 08
Maybe some of the demonstrators were from Verwood. I wasnt and nor were most of those who signed letters in support. I would be quite happy to see a wind farm on Bincombe Hill above us. It is in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and so is excluded by existing rules, but I would be happy to have that rules relaxed somewhat.
Maybe when petrol is three pounds a litre and gas and electricity bills are 2 to 3 times what they are now attitudes will change.
Yes we should switching off and the govmt should be doing more to encourage this. But we have to do what we can do now.
Maybe some of the demonstrators were from Verwood. I wasnt and nor were most of those who signed letters in support. I would be quite happy to see a wind farm on Bincombe Hill above us. It is in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and so is excluded by existing rules, but I would be happy to have that rules relaxed somewhat.
Maybe when petrol is three pounds a litre and gas and electricity bills are 2 to 3 times what they are now attitudes will change.
Yes we should switching off and the govmt should be doing more to encourage this. But we have to do what we can do now.
Posted by: Tru Belle, purbeck on 3:01pm Tue 25 Mar 08
David Smith-
Why does everyone think their fuel bills will be reduced?
Wrong wrong wrong-this is a con act-
how can people be so ignorant!
http://www.wind-watc
h.org/news/
David Smith-
Why does everyone think their fuel bills will be reduced?
Wrong wrong wrong-this is a con act-
how can people be so ignorant!
http://www.wind-watc
h.org/news/
Posted by: maximus, Weymouth on 3:17pm Tue 25 Mar 08
[bold]Tru Belle, purbeck[/bold] I went to the site you mentioned but couldn't find anything specific, could you help by showing the relevant article?
Tru Belle, purbeck I went to the site you mentioned but couldn't find anything specific, could you help by showing the relevant article?
Posted by: Tru Belle, purbeck on 3:48pm Tue 25 Mar 08
hi Maximus
site is called
'National Wind Watch'
google it, and then you will see a huge array of choices on rt of column, go to UK/england- and have a good look, very interesting site.
hi Maximus
site is called
'National Wind Watch'
google it, and then you will see a huge array of choices on rt of column, go to UK/england- and have a good look, very interesting site.
Posted by: Wessex Lass, Dorchester on 4:47pm Tue 25 Mar 08
I have lived near Carland Cross wind farm in Cornwall and have a friend who lives near Capenhurst Nuclear Power Station in Cheshire. I know which one I would like to see out of my window each morning. If we campain against wind power this government will go ahead with building more nuclear power stations, is that what we want? Whether it is cheaper or not I do not think is the issue, it is the impact on the enviroment. All those against the wind farm, have you ever visited a wind farm or spent time near one? Try it, they are not that bad!
I have lived near Carland Cross wind farm in Cornwall and have a friend who lives near Capenhurst Nuclear Power Station in Cheshire. I know which one I would like to see out of my window each morning. If we campain against wind power this government will go ahead with building more nuclear power stations, is that what we want? Whether it is cheaper or not I do not think is the issue, it is the impact on the enviroment. All those against the wind farm, have you ever visited a wind farm or spent time near one? Try it, they are not that bad!
Posted by: Tru Belle, purbeck on 5:01pm Tue 25 Mar 08
And what then, when the wind doesn't blow?
Or the wind is too strong?
Or the thing snaps and flys off injuring everyone?
They only give very , very little power for the carbon footprint that it takes to put them in place.
They are not a cheap form of electricity, your bills will go up^, the time it takes to recoup the bill is years!
These will virtually be overhead and casting long shadows, with a swooshy sound, do not be fooled please. Many countries are dismantling them, it is only this government who is giving subsidies out to encourage this killing wasteful useless form of energy.
And what then, when the wind doesn't blow?
Or the wind is too strong?
Or the thing snaps and flys off injuring everyone?
They only give very , very little power for the carbon footprint that it takes to put them in place.
They are not a cheap form of electricity, your bills will go up^, the time it takes to recoup the bill is years!
These will virtually be overhead and casting long shadows, with a swooshy sound, do not be fooled please. Many countries are dismantling them, it is only this government who is giving subsidies out to encourage this killing wasteful useless form of energy.
Posted by: DingDonG, Wilds of Wiltshire on 5:13pm Tue 25 Mar 08
[quote]Wessex Lass, Dorchester[/quote] Capenhurst is a nuclear fuel enrichment plant, NOT a Nuclear Power Station.
Wessex Lass, Dorchester
Capenhurst is a nuclear fuel enrichment plant, NOT a Nuclear Power Station.
Posted by: Sal, West Dorset on 5:13pm Tue 25 Mar 08
I had a quote for a wind turbine for private use - it would have paid for itself within 10 years, that includes our own (large family) use and exporting back to the grid what is not used - We live on the top of a hill and even in high summer there is a strong breeze. My only problem - my one and only neighbour who didnt want to see it out of their living room window!
I had a quote for a wind turbine for private use - it would have paid for itself within 10 years, that includes our own (large family) use and exporting back to the grid what is not used - We live on the top of a hill and even in high summer there is a strong breeze. My only problem - my one and only neighbour who didnt want to see it out of their living room window!
Posted by: DingDonG, Wilds of Wiltshire on 9:54pm Tue 25 Mar 08
[quote]I say switch off, and do not forget World switch off day on the 29th March,[/quote]
I'm confused. Is this the Australian World Wildlife "Earth Hour"?
Other dates sugested for a switch off last year were..
Earth Day 22April
World Environmental Day 2 June
Energy Saving Day 28 February
World Diabetes Day 14 November
Thurrock Council 7 March
While everyone agrees to disagree, it will be impossible to see if it makes any difference, unless we all do it at the same time!
Meanwhile, LAST OUT..LIGHTS OUT!
I say switch off, and do not forget World switch off day on the 29th March,
I'm confused. Is this the Australian World Wildlife "Earth Hour"?
Other dates sugested for a switch off last year were..
Earth Day 22April
World Environmental Day 2 June
Energy Saving Day 28 February
World Diabetes Day 14 November
Thurrock Council 7 March
While everyone agrees to disagree, it will be impossible to see if it makes any difference, unless we all do it at the same time!
Meanwhile, LAST OUT..LIGHTS OUT!
Posted by: Pete, Wareham on 12:02am Wed 26 Mar 08
Dear Tru Belle, the proposed wind farm is expected to provide 36,000,000 KWh per year and it's carbon footprint be repaid in 4 months.
Denmark is investing heavily in offshore wind and replacing it's onshore ones with bigger models. Germany is now the biggest market for wind turbines followed by Spain, Portugal and USA.
If you are going to make statements make sure they are correct.
Dear Tru Belle, the proposed wind farm is expected to provide 36,000,000 KWh per year and it's carbon footprint be repaid in 4 months.
Denmark is investing heavily in offshore wind and replacing it's onshore ones with bigger models. Germany is now the biggest market for wind turbines followed by Spain, Portugal and USA.
If you are going to make statements make sure they are correct.
Posted by: Pete, Wareham on 2:43am Wed 26 Mar 08
Sometimes people move into the countryside without understanding that it is a working environment and that land is a resource that should be effectively managed. Food production used to be a farmers primary income but with supermarkets squeezing ever harder they have to diversify. This is a quarry, a brownfield site open to development, compared to what could go there, a wind farm is a good choice.
Sometimes people move into the countryside without understanding that it is a working environment and that land is a resource that should be effectively managed. Food production used to be a farmers primary income but with supermarkets squeezing ever harder they have to diversify. This is a quarry, a brownfield site open to development, compared to what could go there, a wind farm is a good choice.
Posted by: Tru Belle, purbeck on 8:43am Wed 26 Mar 08
Dear Pete
I do appreciate your concerns, and you have hooked into mine too. I am sure your figures are way out!!
Take today , which is becalmed , we are sheltered by the Purbecks, and certainly do not get as much breeze or wind as you perhaps!
What do think will be needed then if we have periods of no breeze? We still need a source of power!!
Food production is critical now , with worldwide demands for bio fuel and good wheat growing areas affected by flood and drought etc. Our Farmers in Dorset were particulary lucky with their wheat prices last year , which was good quality, so the days of diversification is old fashioned and out of date. Crop growing is going to be the saviour of the county , and as we have some good land sorrounding us, farmers are already taking advantage of that.
The quarry at Masters has been used for all sorts of other uses-namely as film sets etc. The owner should be restoring it , the way others have/or are being. Besides, in parts of the Echo last week we were reading about heath restoration etc, and I see that there is heath adjacent with rare species according toEU law, this is a protected landscape.
These turbines will be as high as the Purbecks, and will make mincemeat out of returning migratory birds! I am sure the RSPB will not be too happy.
Also there is the radar interference from ground level to great heights. As you see by the contrails in the sky, it isn't just Hurn airport, but Heathrow air traffic and of course low level military exercises.
The giant shadows cast down oacross the cottages below and on the land underneath them is a terrible thought, imagine that the shadow will be twice the size according to the time of day.
there are many exciting power sources now which would not infringe on the domestic quality of life of those who live in the near villages. Being green does mean all sorts of sacrifices we can make ourselves, starting with brushing our teeth in the morning, and the wasted water used, to how builders build houses, and our use of the electricity in our homes.
We can all learn to be economical-- and that doesn't mean with the truth either Pete!
Will enjoy another chat soon!!
Dear Pete
I do appreciate your concerns, and you have hooked into mine too. I am sure your figures are way out!!
Take today , which is becalmed , we are sheltered by the Purbecks, and certainly do not get as much breeze or wind as you perhaps!
What do think will be needed then if we have periods of no breeze? We still need a source of power!!
Food production is critical now , with worldwide demands for bio fuel and good wheat growing areas affected by flood and drought etc. Our Farmers in Dorset were particulary lucky with their wheat prices last year , which was good quality, so the days of diversification is old fashioned and out of date. Crop growing is going to be the saviour of the county , and as we have some good land sorrounding us, farmers are already taking advantage of that.
The quarry at Masters has been used for all sorts of other uses-namely as film sets etc. The owner should be restoring it , the way others have/or are being. Besides, in parts of the Echo last week we were reading about heath restoration etc, and I see that there is heath adjacent with rare species according toEU law, this is a protected landscape.
These turbines will be as high as the Purbecks, and will make mincemeat out of returning migratory birds! I am sure the RSPB will not be too happy.
Also there is the radar interference from ground level to great heights. As you see by the contrails in the sky, it isn't just Hurn airport, but Heathrow air traffic and of course low level military exercises.
The giant shadows cast down oacross the cottages below and on the land underneath them is a terrible thought, imagine that the shadow will be twice the size according to the time of day.
there are many exciting power sources now which would not infringe on the domestic quality of life of those who live in the near villages. Being green does mean all sorts of sacrifices we can make ourselves, starting with brushing our teeth in the morning, and the wasted water used, to how builders build houses, and our use of the electricity in our homes.
We can all learn to be economical-- and that doesn't mean with the truth either Pete!
Will enjoy another chat soon!!
Posted by: Pete, Wareham on 11:13am Wed 26 Mar 08
I am happy to explain those figures. The plan is for a wind farm max capacity of 13.8MW. I contacted the developers to ask what percentage of that, given wind variations, would be actual electricity produced over the year, this is referred to as Capacity factor. They told me 30%, I double checked that with the Sustainable Development Commission report which states typical UK wind farms have capacity factors of 20-40% depending on location. So 13.8 x 0.3 x 24 hours in a day x 365 days a year gives you 36,266 MWh = 36 million KWh per year. If you want to use a very conservative estimate substitute 0.3 with 0.2 (i.e. 20%) which gives you 24,000 MWh.
I am happy to explain those figures. The plan is for a wind farm max capacity of 13.8MW. I contacted the developers to ask what percentage of that, given wind variations, would be actual electricity produced over the year, this is referred to as Capacity factor. They told me 30%, I double checked that with the Sustainable Development Commission report which states typical UK wind farms have capacity factors of 20-40% depending on location. So 13.8 x 0.3 x 24 hours in a day x 365 days a year gives you 36,266 MWh = 36 million KWh per year. If you want to use a very conservative estimate substitute 0.3 with 0.2 (i.e. 20%) which gives you 24,000 MWh.
Posted by: Wessex Lass, Dorchester on 5:58pm Thu 27 Mar 08
DingDong wrote - Capenhurst is a nuclear fuel enrichment plant, NOT a Nuclear Power Station -
My apologies to you, still know which one is more attractive...
DingDong wrote - Capenhurst is a nuclear fuel enrichment plant, NOT a Nuclear Power Station -
My apologies to you, still know which one is more attractive...
Posted by: Tim Weymouth Boy, Weymouth on 1:58pm Mon 31 Mar 08
I think they look alright
I think they look alright
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