Wind Turbine Campaign

THPG · #1 (**permalink**) 25-05-2011, 08:02 PM

Sunderland Council is planning to place a 125m tall wind turbine on a local beauty spot, which is also a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) called Tunstall Hills. This is a MAG limestone grassland area within the boundaries of the city and is of high amenity value. It is also a small landscape which would be completely overwhelmed by this massive turbine. Check out our Facebook page via Tunstall Hills Wind Turbine Campaign (Google) and add your own comments especially if you have any campaign experiences which might be of help. You can also follow us on Twitter.

bigdave60dog · #2 (**permalink**) 25-05-2011, 11:18 PM

I have recently noticed that they work like big fans causing the weather to be windy. This must be true I have carefully observed that the faster Wind Turbines turn, the more windy it is.
Dave

wanlock dod · #3 (**permalink**) 26-05-2011, 03:03 PM

It never ceases to amaze me that I have seen countless posts in opposition to windfarms on this forum, but have yet to see a single one in opposition to open-cast mining

Paul mabbott · #4 (**permalink**) 26-05-2011, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wanlock dod

It never ceases to amaze me that I have seen countless posts in opposition to windfarms on this forum, but have yet to see a single one in opposition to open-cast mining

... or supermarkets, or roads or farm buildings ....
Basically, someone proposes a wind farm and someone else starts a protest - usually with very little logical argument over the pros and cons. I'm going to start a collection. Here's a starter - proposed windfarm on that celebrated beauty-spot, the M1-M18 junction:
Campaigners in wind farm protest - Local stories - Yorkshire Post

John D · #5 (**permalink**) 13-06-2011, 05:52 PM

100% by 2020??? But what happens when there is no wind ?????

BBC News - Gigawatt milestone for Scottish Power wind farms

whitetree · #6 (**permalink**) 13-06-2011, 09:38 PM

I can see three turbines from my garden. During the weeks of sub zero temperatures in the last two winters they never moved a blade. Not only that. the hydro-electric stations failed because the rivers froze. Seems to me the only reliable renewable source of electricity is tidal. Not dependent on wind or weather, as long as the earth spins the tides will run.

bigdave60dog · #7 (**permalink**) 14-06-2011, 08:48 AM

Depends on where they are placed. You can get an estimate of your electricity producing capability from the internet.
If you live in a windy area it is worth considering a wind turbine of your own.
Nowadays you can get paid for the power that you use as well as that that you sell directly.
There a good rates on loans and if you borrow the money you will pay for the turbine and have free electricity. Where I live we will pay the loans off in about 4 years. this is now guaranteed for 25 years so is safe bet.
If you live in suitable area you would be mad not to consider it.
Dave

Dorts · #8 (**permalink**) 14-06-2011, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdave60dog

Depends on where they are placed. You can get an estimate of your electricity producing capability from the internet.
If you live in a windy area it is worth considering a wind turbine of your own.
Nowadays you can get paid for the power that you use as well as that that you sell directly.
There a good rates on loans and if you borrow the money you will pay for the turbine and have free electricity. Where I live we will pay the loans off in about 4 years. this is now guaranteed for 25 years so is safe bet.
If you live in suitable area you would be mad not to consider it.
Dave

We have never considered a windmill here, but we did, a few years ago, look into hydro-power as we have a good constant flow of water down our small river.

Subsidies were meagre to say the least, at around 5% at best.
Instalation cost for a system that would supply all of our power was around £50,000!

There is still very little enducement for anyone to install such a system, mores the pity, as we were very serious at the time, but when everything was taken into consideration, 'sell-back' of electricity, re-couping capital cost's etc. we decided it was not a viable option.
The government it would seem are only interested in really supporting schemes that cost millions, not ours at 50k!

So, you can probably guess were we're at now?
Dorts.

bigdave60dog · #9 (**permalink**) 15-06-2011, 10:29 PM

That`s really tough Dorts. You obviously don`t get the winds that we do.
Doubtless you will have done your sums.
Do you get the Feed In Tariff South of the Border?
Dave

tom00_uk · #10 (**permalink**) 16-06-2011, 12:11 AM

there is a feed in tarrif in England, hence why so many companies are now offering "free" solar or wind electricity generation on your land, there is talk of shortly having hot water included so more of the country is possibly motivated to change.

best to do your self if you can afford the initial costs as there is money in it if your in the right location, hence why there are national radio/tv and print adverts by companies eager to get on your roof.
You could also make money by selling the generation certificates to companies that are trying/claiming to offset, though personally they are best retired by you if you want true "green" power

when the boiler is replaced its tempting to go for solar especially if there is a payment scheme for generating that would assist in paying back the £3k ish upfront costs