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UPDATED August 2nd 2010 SITE HITS SINCE NOV
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SEA-PROUD
TO BE PRO WIND !
******BREAKING
NEWS******
Information on all of
these can be found on "national news in brief" further down the page.....
Lindhurst
wind farm - nears completion ! August
2nd 2010
Plans for
£400m Humber wind farm port unveiled
July 8th 2010
Funding
secured for Gwynt-Y-Mor offshore wind farm
June 4th 2010
SEA sign's
up to the "Embrace my Planet" campaign run by Renewable UK
www.embracemyplanet.com May
14th 2010
Crown Estate
approves NW wind farm extensions
May 12th 2010
Climategate
- No malpractice April 14th 2010
£80
million Siemens
Plant March 30th 2010
Engineering firm's 240 new jobs
Jan 27th 2010
A firm making towers
for wind turbines is creating 240 jobs and investing £38m in its base in
Monmouthshire
New offshore wind farm zones are announced - Press release from GREENPEACE
re the announcement Jan 8th 20i0
Successful bids for nine new offshore wind farm licences within UK
waters have been announced
Beauly-Deny
power line given consent
Jan 2010
The Beauly-Deny power line, which will see 600 pylons each 200 feet
high, built between Beauly, west of Inverness and Deny, west of Falkirk,
has been given consent by the Scottish Government.
Flood
warning for costal homes
Oct 29th 2009
Many people living in
costal areas of Wales will need to move because of a serious risk of
flooding brought about by climate change
Largest
offshore wind farm to go online
Sept 15th 2009
UK could
face blackouts by 2016 Sept 11th
2009
SEA gives
support to the pro wind group Island Turbine Action group( ITAG) on the
Isle of Wight
www.islandturbines.co.uk -
further information about the Cheverton Down wind farm application can be
see on the "wind farms we are supporting" section further down this page,
or the "support us page", alternatively you go to
www.clpwindproject.co.uk
Power
generation to start shortly at Rhyl Flats wind farm
July 9th 2009
France
imports UK electricity as nuclear plants shut
July 3rd 2009
Myth of
"intermittency" debunked by major report
July 9th 2009
New report
demolishes anti-wind argument
July 7th 2009
Wind
can "revolutionise UK power" - Poyry Report
July 2nd 2009
UK
expands wind power potential June 25th 2009
Climate
change budget tops £300 million in Wales
June 25th 2009
SEA
activists ascend Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis summits to display
pro wind banners June 20th 2009
UK wind week 13th -
21st June 2009 further
information on
www.embracewind.com
Turbine contracts
signed for Lindhurst Wind farm
May 27th 2009
New nuclear plants
will cost every family £3,000 -
Climate activists plan
action against Radcliffe-On-Soar coal fired plant in Notts....
Save Our Scenery (SOS), the campaign group that has opposed the consented
Gwynt-Y-Mor offshore wind farm have publicly announced that they have
"given up" in their bid to stop the wind farm being built.....See
recent news
SEA
have campaigned for almost four years in support of the Gwynt-Y-Mor wind
farm and in that time have taken the campaign to the summit of Snowdon,
the Houses of Parliament and The Welsh Assembly Government, we have
lobbied politicians / media at a local and national level and spent
countless days engaging with the general public in Llandudno and across
the north Wales Coast. With help from Friends of The Earth Cymru in 2008, we have
collected close to 5000 letters of support for the project and submitted
over 1100 signatures to Conwy County Borough Council urging them to
support the wind farm.
Heartfelt thanks must go to
all those that have worked with us and supported our campaign for
the Gwynt-Y-Mor wind farm, we believe that it will become an icon of
positive change and a real step forward for a truly sustainable energy
future here in Wales - Thank you, without you it would have not have been
possible.
Sustainable Energy Alliance (SEA)
was founded in May 2005 and is based in North Wales. It is a coalition of
environmentalists who believe that
the
threats of climate change are so serious that
renewable
forms of energy
and especially that of wind power, should be adopted as soon as possible.
The environmental group believe that wind power, both on and offshore , must and will
play a key role in our energy mix, along with other renewables,
decentralised energy and energy efficiency. SEA is against new build
nuclear power stations and further construction of coal fired power
plants.
SEA has always found that when the general public are given the opportunity
and provided with substantiated and factually correct information, the
vast majority are fully in support of wind power
The group has been campaigning in support of the
proposed
Gwynt
y Mor
offshore wind farm for three years now. This wind farm will be sited some nine miles north
of Llandudno and if built will meet the demands of 500,000 households (
41% of homes in Wales). SEA have always found that
the vast majority of local
people and visitors to the area are in favour of the proposal and that
the small but vocal opposition group have grossly exaggerated the visual effect
of the wind farm and completely misjudged the likely effect on tourism
(see
some myths).
Man-made climate change is the greatest global threat
that we face today and the evidence is now compelling. Urgent action must be taken to address
it and lesson the severe impacts that it will bring to all of our lives..
The following quote from Lord Rees of Ludlow neatly summarises the
dramatic situation we are faced with:
"Atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide are rising at an unprecedented
rate. They were higher in 2005 than they have been for at least 420,000
years, and probably 20 million years, due to the burning of fossil fuels.
This in itself would be grounds for concern even if there were not yet
evidence for associated global warming. However, that evidence is now
compelling"
Lord Rees of Ludlow
President, The Royal Society
And
from David Attenborough on the threat from man-made climate change...
"I am
80 now. It's not that I think, like any old man, that change is wrong. I
recognise that the world has always changed, I know that. But the point
is, it's changing more extremely and swiftly than at anytime in the past
several million years and one of the things I don't want to do is look at
my grandchildren and hear them say. "Grandfather, you knew it was
happening and did nothing."
And David
Attenborough on a wind farm application in Sussex - Times online February
26th 2008
" Having visited
the proposed site, I noticed that it is close to a place where not long
ago, a windmill once stood. I suspect that were that windmill still in
existence, many of us would regard it as a welcome feature in the
essentially domesticated Sussex landscape and would speak passionately in
favour of its protection. That, surely, is because most of us have a care
and affection for the past. I certainly have."
"But I also have
a care and affection for the future. A wind turbine , with its graceful
lines, collecting energy from the environment without causing any
materials damage, is a marvellous demonstration of the way we can minimise
our pollution of the atmosphere, if we wish to do so. It would help
protect not only the countryside we have know for centuries but also the
wider world beyond."
And from Dr
Rajendra K Pachauri, Chairman of the IPCC " If you see the extent to which
human activities are influencing the climate system, then the mitigation
objections should be seen in a totally different light...We are doing
things that have not happened in 650,000 years, based on the scientific
evidence that will be placed before you".
Some
facts on wind power...
According to the Sustainable Development Commission ( SDC) wind energy is projected to be the cheapest form of electricity by 2020
The
UK has 40% of the European wind energy resource and it is common
sense to make the best use of it -
www.bwea.com
and on average the UK's wind farms are twice as efficient as those in
Europe.
There are at
present (April 2008) 1966 wind turbines in the UK, generating electricity
for 1,358,897 homes and reducing CO2 emissions by 5,492,661 tonnes per
year
The average wind
turbine operates between wind speeds of 8 mph to 48 mph ( force 9)
measured at hub height and produces electricity for up to 85% of the time
In terms of wind
power, the UK has some catching up to do, in 2007 the USA installed 12
times more wind capacity than Britain, Spain 8 times, China 8 times, India
4 times, Germany 4 times and India double. - Germany has reaped the
rewards of going for wind power, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs
7.4 billion Euros in wind energy exports and lower electricity prices as a
result.
Bird
Kills -The threat to birds from
wind farms is exceptionally low. At worst, avian mortalities per turbine,
per year is equivalent to 1-2 birds, but is often much lower. By
comparison, 57 million birds die in collisions with cars, 1.25 million in
collisions with tall structures, 97.5 million in collisions with plate
glass and 100 million are killed by pet cats in the USA each year. It is
thought that 10 million birds are killed each year in the UK in collisions
with vehicles.
House
prices - A report by the Royal
Institute of Charted Surveyors and the Oxford Brookes University (
May 2007) found no clear relationship between property prices and the
proximity of wind farms.
Noise
- The Scottish Executive
published results of a public opinion survey which found that "before
construction of Scottish wind farms studied, 12% of the people living near
the sites thought that the turbines would cause a noise nuisance, but
after construction, only 1% thought they were noisy".
Studies into noise from wind farms and
how it may affect local residents have been carried out by the UK
Government. In August 2007, the UK's most comprehensive study into sound
created by wind farms concluded that, despite arguments to the contrary,
the incidence about noise is low. Acoustics researchers at Salford
University investigated complaints of the noise created by
aerodynamic modulation (AM)
a phenomenon sometimes compared to the sound of a distant train. It was
discovered that the number of complaints about noise from wind turbines is
relatively insignificant compared with complaints about other noise
sources. The study found that
239
formal complaints over a
15
year period (an average of just 16 each year), for the whole of the UK,
were made in respect of wind turbines. This compares with the national
average of more than
300,000
per single year for noise complaints in general.
Based on
the University's findings, the Department for Business, Enterprise
Regulatory Reform ( DBERR) considers this matter not to be an is sue for
the UK's wind farm fleet and nor does it consider that there is a
compelling case for more work on AM at this time.
The Salford University report followed
another study concluded in 2006, also commissioned by the DTI ( now
DBERR), known as the Hayes Mackenzie Report. This concluded that that
there was no evidence of health effects arising from low
frequency noise or infrasound generated by wind turbines.
Tourism - In 2002, a MORI
poll in the Argyll area of Scotland found that "80% of tourists said that
they would be interested in visiting a wind farm if it were open to the
public with a visitor centre, while 91% of respondents said they would not
be put off from visiting and area because of the presence of wind farms".
And on climate
change...
Arctic ice has diminished by 40% over the last 40 years
Carbon Dioxide levels are 27% higher now than at any time in the last
650,000 years
National news in brief -
Lindhurst wind farm nears completion
August 2nd 2010
The five turbine, Lindhurst wind farm, near Mansfield, Notts is close to
completion this
week as the last blade delivery was made today. The remaining towers and
further parts are expected in the near future. The building of this wind
farm is a milestone for SEA as it is the first wind farm that we have seen
through to completion. We campaign in support of the wind farm fro more
than one year and as part of that campaign we collected over
3000
letters of support, calling on the local planning authority to give the
application the green light. In September 2007, Newark and Sherwood
planning authority gave the project approval, despite a campaign against
the application by a small but vociferous group. SEA is delighted that the
wind farm is now close to completion and believe that this wind farm
is an important step to a truly sustainable energy future in
Nottinghamshire and feel sure it will be a positive landmark for the town
of Mansfield. SEA would like to thanks all those that helped us either by
campaigning or completing a support letter. We are hopeful that many other
wind farm projects currently in planning, in the county are also
successful !
Plans for £400, wind farm port unveiled
July 8th 2010
A £400m project to transform the south bank of the Humber into an
international centre for renewable energy industries has been unveiled.
The site near Immingham would become a base for the construction of
turbines for huge north sea wind farms.
Hartlepool-based
developer Able UK said up to 27,000 jobs would be created if its plans
were given the go-ahead. Covering almost 2000 acres, the Humber site is
the largest available for port related developments in the UK. Able said,
its plans included new quayside facilities for the construction and
installation of wind turbines and the development of biomass energy
generation. It would create 10,000 on-site jobs and another 17,000 in
northern Lincolnshire and the wider region
Able UK
executive chairmen, Peter Stephenson said "the marine energy park was of
national significance and it is an opportunity to provide all of the
facilities required for the manufacture, commissioning and installation
base for offshore wind turbines within close proximity to the massive wind
farms which will be developed in the North Sea."
The three
offshore wind areas of Dogger Bank, Hornsea and Norfolk Bank would require
about 5000 turbines to deliver their full capacity. - Source BBC
News
Funding secured for Gwynt-Y-Mor wind farm
June 4th 2010
RWE npower
renewables announced today that they have funding of 2Bn Euros to
construct the already consented Gwynt-Y-Mor offshore wind farm, this will
be a joint venture now with Stadwerke Munich ( Munich Municipal Utility)
and Siemens. SEA has actively campaigned for the wind farm since May 2005
and has welcomed the news. With the assistance of Friends of the Earth
Cymru, close to 5000 letters of support were collected calling on the
consenting authority to approve the application, consent was given in
December 2008. The wind farm will now number 160 turbines and they will be
rated at 3.6MW, with a total installed capacity of 576MW. It is thought
that the wind farm will meet the demands of some 400,000 households
annually. Offshore construction work will commence( foundation piling) at
the end of 2011 and be completed in 2013 and it is anticipated that the
turbines will be erected in April 2013 and the first being operational in
May 2013, with all the turbines operational in June 2014. A community
benefit package of £768,000 per annum, index linked with inflation will
become available when the wind farm becomes operational. SEA issued a
joint press release with WWF Cymru welcoming the news to all of the
local media in Wales. A press release was also issued by FOE Cymru. Source
BBC News
Crown Estate approves NW wind farm extensions
May 12th 2010
Expansions to
offshore wind farm sites in Liverpool Bay and off the Cumbrian coast have
been given the go ahead by the Crown Estate.
Offshore
developer Dong Wind UK plans to extend the area of the Burbo Bank site in
Liverpool Bay, an area of the Irish sea between north east Wales,
Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside to the east of the Irish sea, and at
the Walney site in Cumbria.. Another three wind farm developments,
off the coast of Suffolk and Kent, were also given the green light today.
The approval of all five extensions means enough power will be provided
for an extra 1.4 million homes.
The selected
developers will finalise agreements with the Crown Estate over the coming
weeks. After this the developers will commence the statutory consenting
process The Crown Estate said each area extension will require a
full planning application including an Environmental Impact Assessment and
full consultation. The Crown Estate added it will only grant a lease
allowing construction to start when statutory consents have been obtained
from appropriate decision making bodies.
Rob Hastings,
The Crown Estate's director of the marine estate, said :" It is another
positive step in the maturing of the offshore wind industry and will
significantly support the growth of the supply chain as it adds further to
the pipeline of construction projects. This announcement shows the Crown
Estate's commitment to help develop this maturing sector with a view to
driving the UK offshore wind energy industry forward and to creating a
long-term sustainable energy source for the UK." Source
BBC News
Climategate- No malpractice
April 14th 2010
There was no scientific malpractice at the University of East Anglia's
Climate Research Unit, which was at the centre of the "Climategate"
affair. This is according to an independent panel, chaired by Lord Oxburgh,
which was convened to examine the research published by the unit. It began
its review after e-mails from CRU scientists were published online.
Critics said
that the e-mail exchanges revealed an attempt by the researches involved
to manipulate data. However, a recent House of Commons Science and
Technology Committee report into the e-mails concluded that that the
scientists involved had no intention to deceive. Lord Oxburgh said that "
he hoped these resounding affirmations of the unit's scientific practice
would put those suspicions to bed."
UEA's vice chancellor Edward Acton said
"he welcomed the report". He added " it is especially important that,
despite a deluge of allegations and smears against the CRU, this
independent group of utterly reputable scientists have concluded that
there was no evidence of any scientific malpractice.
" Source BBC News
£80m Siemens Plant
March 30th 2010
Siemens
is to build an £80million wind turbine factory in the UK, creating
hundreds of jobs. The German industrial giant, which also considered
Germany or Denmark, said that it had chosen the UK after the recent budget
announcement of a £60 million grant to develop port facilities for
offshore turbine manufactures.
Siemens UK Chief
Executive Andreas Goss said ,"This
gives us confidence that the UK port infrastructure can be made available
to support our production plans." Siemens is looking at location son the
north east coast and the north east for the plant to make turbines for
offshore wind farms. It is expected to create 700 direct jobs with 1500
more in the supply chain.
Siemens
President, Peter Loscher, who has talking to 10 Downing Street about the
scheme, said: " we are pushing ahead with our strategy of investments in
attractive growth markets for eco-friendly technology."
Siemens will
compete with US industrial giant General Electric, which the week before
announced the building of a wind turbine manufacturing plant, creating
2000 jobs.
Engineering firm's 240 new jobs
Jan 27th 2010
A firm making towers for wind turbines is to create 240 new jobs and
invest £38m in its base in Monmouthshire. Maybe Bridge, which already
employs 400 at Chepstow and also in Gloucestershire, said the project
would create hundreds of skilled and technical posts .and the investment
would make it the biggest UK manufacturer of wind turbine onshore and
offshore towers. The company has a turnover of £70m and can trace its
history back to the construction of Brunel's Wye railway bridge in 1849.
Peter Lloyd,
managing director of Maybe Bridge said " This is a significant
announcement which will provide a massive boost for the local economy,
creating hundreds of jobs" he added, " we are forecasting that production
at the facility will provide half of the UK's requirement for wind
turbine towers, greatly reducing the need for developers to import."
Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones
said of the announcement, "Green jobs just like these
will be central to the future of the Welsh economy. These are highly
skilled jobs that will provide a boost to the local economy while showing
once again that manufacturing is still central to Wales."
The First
Minister added "This strategy will be an important component in
stimulating the recovery from recession - as well as strengthening our
commitment to combat the causes and impacts of climate change."
Conservative MP
for Monmouth, David Davies welcomed the announcement and said " The firms
multimillion -pound investment in manufacturing wind turbine towers at its
new Chepstow facility will provide a huge boost for the local economy and
it is far better to see wind turbines being made locally, rather than
being imported from abroad;"
New wind farm zones are announced
Jan 8th 2010
Successful bids for nine new offshore wind farm licences within UK water s
have been announced. A consortium including Npower and Norway's Statkraft
won the licences for the biggest zone, in Dogger Bank, which could produce
nine gigawatts of energy. Turbines in the nine zones could generate up to
32 gigawatts of power, a quarter of the UK's electricity needs. The
winners have signed exclusive contracts with the Crown Estate, which owns
the UK seabed. The proposals will now go through planning and consent
stages and will create one of the biggest infrastructure projects for wind
energy in the world, with construction beginning in 2014 at the earliest
This is the
third time that companies have had the chance to bid for zones and Prime
Minister Gordon Brown said " the governments policies to support offshore
wind energy had put the UK ahead of other countries and that the new round
of licences provides a substantial new platform for investing in UK
industrial capacity."
He added " The
offshore wind industry is at the heart of the UK economy's shift to low
carbon and could be worth £75bn and support up to 70,000 jobs by 2020".
It is thought
the turbines could be erected in water depths of up to 60 meters, compared
with depths of 25 meters for the previous two rounds. They will be
positioned up to 205 Km ( 128 miles) off the coast, compared with 25 Km (
15 miles) at present
The
wind farm licences in Full :
The
Moray Firth Zone Won by EDP
Renovavels and SeaEnergy Renewables, potential energy yield:1.3 GW
The
Firth of Forth Zone won by SSE
Renewables and Fluor. Potential energy yield : 3.5 GW
The
Dogger Bank Zone Won by SSE
Renewables and RWE Npower Renewables, Statoil and Statkraft : potential
energy yield : 9 GW
The
Hornsea Zone Won by Mainstream
Renewable Power and Siemens Project Ventures. and involving Hochtief
Construction. Potential energy yield 4 GW
The
Norfolk Bank Zone Won by
Scottish Power Renewables and Vattenfall Vindkraft. Potential energy yield
: 7.2 GW
The
Hastings Zone Won by E.on
Climate and Renewables UK. Potential energy yield 0.6 GW
The Isle
of Wight Zone Won by Eneco New
Energy. Potential energy yield 0.9 GW
The
Bristol Channel Zone Won by RWE
Npower Renewables. Potential energy yield 1.5 GW
The
Irish Sea Zone Won by Centrica
Renewable Energy and involving RES Group. Potential energy yield; 4.2MW
In response to the announcement to develop offshore wind technology around
the UK, GREENPEACE Executive Director John Sauven said " Throughout
its history Britain has shown the determination and ingenuity to tackle
the great industrial challenges of each era. In the 21st century these
qualities are being called on once again, to enable the transition from
fossil fuels to clean, renewable sources of energy."
"Our country is home to some of the best engineers, mechanics and
construction professionals in the world. Their expertise will be crucial
if we are to harness the massive potential that new technologies like
offshore wind have to offer."
" The
Governments role is clear, train and equip Britain's workforce to ensure
that the thousands of jobs which will be created are filled by British
workers and provide the economic certainty investors need to complete
these projects on time and on budget . The economic and environmental
benefits are huge, but unless we make the most of this momentous
opportunity , others will."
Beauly-Deny power line given green light
Jan 2010
The Beauly-Deny power line, which will see 600 power lines, each 200 feet
high, built between Beauly, west of Inverness, to Deny, west of Falkirk,
has been given the go-ahead by the Scottish Government, it was revealed by
the Sunday Herald. It will create the capacity to transmit around six
gigawatts of power generated from wind, wave and tidal turbines, in the
highlands and islands to electricity users further south, comprising about
three-quarters of the output needed to meet the country's 2020 renewable
energy targets.
Flood warning for costal homes
Oct 29th 2009
Many people living in costal areas of Wales
will need to move because of a serious risk of flooding brought about by
climate change a report has warned. The report by the Auditor General for
Wales, Jeremy Coleman, suggests homes will have to be abandoned. He said "
a drastic rethink was needed to the current approach to managing the seas
impact." He added " it is not sustainable to go on building ever higher
sea walls everywhere there is a threat."
Some 600,000
people in Wales live in areas at risk of flooding..
The Wales Audit
Office ( WAO) report looked at effectiveness of the assembly governments
policy on costal flooding and coastal erosion The WAO report notes
that the assembly government considers high risk areas to include
coastline between Kimnel Bay and Llandudno
in Conwy, Tywyn in Gwynedd, Aberaeron, Aberystwyth and Borth in
Ceredigion.
Mr Coleman said
"people who live by the sea do so at their own risk and it is important
that they should understand the consequences that could follow" he added
"they are exposed to a risk, and need to consider what they should do in
the face of that risk."
The WAO said
rising sea levels and increasingly severe and frequent rain storms caused
by climate
change meant
the risk of flooding would increase even further.
Largest Offshore wind farm to go online
The world's largest offshore wind farm is expected to go into
operation on September 17th, at a site 30 kilometres off Denmark. The wind
farm Horns Rev 2 and built by Danish Utility , Dong Energy, will number 91
turbines, made by Siemens a German engineering company and it will be
spread over a 35 Kilometre area. The wind farm is projected to generate
209 megawatts, enough electricity to meet the demands of 200,000
households annually. The turbines are 114 meters high and the blades will
have a diameter of 114.5 meters.
Anders Eldrup,
the Chief Executive of Dong Energy
said, " that the project was historic and that the offshore wind
farm will be the biggest in the world for sometime to come "
UK could face blackouts by 2016
Sept 11th 2009
The Governments new energy advisor says that the UK could face blackouts
by 2016
because green energy is not coming on stream fast enough.
Ministers have
previously denied that the UK is heading for an energy gap, but David
Mackay, who takes up his post at the Department of Energy on Oct 1st, says
the public keeps objecting to energy projects.
This, he says, is creating a huge problem, which could turnout the lights.
SEA gives support to the pro wind campaign group (ITAG)
and the Cheverton wind farm application Aug
24th 2009
SEA has given
its support to the pro wind campaign group, Island Turbine Action group (
ITAG) on the Isle of Wight. The group there are campaigning on the
Cheverton Down
wind farm on the island - This wind farm will number just the
three turbines with an installed capacity of 9MW, it will generate 27,000
Mwh per annum, based on the manufacturers output at an average wind speed
of 8.2m/s. The developer is Cornwall Light and Power Ltd and can be
contacted at
steveallen@clpwindprojects.co.uk, their website is
www.clpwindproject.co.uk,
planning application was submitted in Jan 2009. Note Cheverton Down
already has planning consent for three turbines, these turbines were
consented in 1993 and have not been built, the new application will
produce ten times the output of the consented machines - more on this to follow-. For more
information about the Island Turbine Action Group ( ITAG) go to
www.islansdturbines.co.uk Please write in support of the
application to the planning officer directly - Contact - Planning
Services, Seaclose Offices, Fairlee Road, Newport, Isle Of Wight, PO30 2QS
or e-mail development@iow.gov.uk
Also please write to the local MP - Andrew turner, 24 The Mall,
Carisbrooke Road, Newport, Isle Of Wight PO30 1BW and if time the local
media contact - Isle of Wight County Press ( Letter to the Editor) Brannon
House, 123 Pyle Street, Newport PO30 1ST - Thank you !!!
Power generation to start shortly at Rhyl Flats offshore wind farm
July 9th 2009
This weekend ( July 12th 2009) RWE npower renewables Rhyl Flats wind
farm is expected to generate its first clean, green power from its
location five mile off the north Wales coast. Weather
permitting, the first of the wind farms 25 turbines will export its first
power to shore as construction works continue onsite to complete
installation of the remaining wind turbines and subsea cables.
11 of the 25
turbines have now been completed ( as of July 11th) and it is
anticipated that the wind farm will be fully operation by the last quarter
of 2009. Once completed, the wind farm will have an installed capacity of
90mw and will be able to meet the demands each year of 61,000 households.
France imports UK electricity as nuclear plants shut
July 3rd 2009 France is being forced to import electricity from
Britain to cope with a summer heat wave that has helped to put a third of
its nuclear power stations out of action. With temperatures across much of
France surging above 30C this week, EDF's reactors are generating the
lowest level of electricity in six years, forcing the state owned utility
to turn to Britain for additional capacity..
Fourteen of
France's 19 nuclear power stations are located inland and use river water
rather than seawater for cooling. When water temperatures rise, EDF is
forced to shut down the reactors to prevent their casings from exceeding
50C.
Myth of "intermittency" debunked by major report
July 9th 2009
The third report in as many weeks to dismiss variability as an obstacle to
large scale deployment of wind energy was published today by a coalition
of environmental NGO's. BWEA, the UK's leading renewable energy trade
association, welcomed the findings of "Managing Variability", which
resonate with the conclusions of two other independent studies published
in June of this year by National Grid and earlier in July by Poyry.
As strong
evidence accumulated from grid operators across Europe that it is within
existing technical capabilities to manage input from wind farms in
real time, the report note that "thermal plant breakdowns, generally pose
more of a threat to the stability of electricity networks than the
relatively benign variations in the output of wind plant" The report also
noted that the "contributions of up to 40% or more of electricity
consumption can be managed with quantifiable and modest variability
costs."
New report demolishes anti-wind argument
July 7th 2009
Britain's energy systems is already capable of taking a large amount
of wind power, according to a new report released today by a leading
energy expert.
Report
author David Millborrow, who has 30 years experience in the energy field
concludes that there in no technical reason why a significant amount of
energy generated by wind cannot be used to supply the National Grid
Opponents of wind power frequently claim that the variability of wind
makes it too unreliable to form a large part of the UK's energy mix
without significant back-up from conventional fossil, nuclear or gas fired
stations. But this claim is rubbished by the new report, which finds that
wind power does not in fact need large amounts of extra conventional
energy back -up and, while the
instant loss of large conventional power stations is a real risk , it is
extremely unlikely that the same amount of wind will disappear
instantaneously.
Wind " can revolutionise UK power"
July 3rd 2009
Wind has the ability to revolutionise the UK's electricity industry,
according to a study published on July 1st. Research from analysts Poyry
says that the UK can massively expand wind power by 2030 without suffering
power cuts or a melt - down of the National Grid.
When it is
windy, power will be so cheap that other forms of generation will be
unable to compete, the report says.
If it is
accepted by government, these key findings could strongly influence the
UK's future energy supplies
The study was
done for National Grid, Centr4ica and others, the research reviewed 2.5
million hourly weather reports on wind speeds all around the UK. The
report amplifies a recent paper from National Grid itself, stating that a
move towards wind power would not necessitate widespread investment in
expensive backup power plants fuelled by gas or coal. This is a key
finding which helps remove one of the main barriers to the advance of
wind, the authors of a report by the Royal Society in the same week made
the same point.
China unveils $140 Bn plan to build giant wind farms by 2020
July 1st 2009
The Chinese government this week announced plans for a $140bn ( £80bn)
wind farm building programme that will see seven giant wind farms, each
with an minimum installed capacity of 10GW, built by 2020.
Once completed,
the seven farms will have a combined capacity of around 120 GW,
accounting for approximately eight percent of the country's expected
total power capacity of 1,500 GW in 2020.
UK expands wind power potential
June 25th 2009
The UK Government has moved to clear a path for a quarter of the nations
electricity to be powered by wind. Ministers on Wednesday approved new
wind power sites for the Crown Estate around the UK's coastline. They also
began the tender process for a £15bn contract for the new cabling need to
bring the power onshore.
The government
is relying heavily on wind power to meet its European commitments to
provide 15% of all energy by renewables by 2020. A major obstacle to wind
was demolished when a study from National Grid last week concluded that
that the electricity distribution grid could cope with on-off wind energy
without spending a lot on back-up fossil fuel power stations.
The
conclusion countered a key argument used by opponents of wind power, who
suggested that the UK would still need to maintain a number of big fossil
fuel power stations in order to bridge the gap between demand and supply
when the wind did not blow.
And the outlook is good too,
a study by to be published next week, by consultants Poyry, will
suggest that by 2030, wind will be the dominant source of electricity by
2030.
Climate change budget tops £300 million in Wales
June 25th 2009 Wales is to spend £300 million cutting carbon emissions as
part of its commitment to tackling climate change, Environment Minister
Jane Davidson has said. She is to set out a plan on how to greenhouse gas
emissions It includes help for green energy, micro generation and a
pilot scheme to lower cities carbon footprints.
Last week a Met
Office report claimed that temperatures across Wales would rise by 2.3 degrees C by
2050
SEA activists ascend the three highest summits in England, Wales and
Scotland
June 20th 2009
Activists
from SEA and supporters of wind power on Saturday June 20th reached the
summits of Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike to simultaneously unfurl
banners saying "Yes To Wind", in support of wind power in the UK. SEA is
calling for the UK Government, Scottish Government and Welsh Assembly
Government to actively support wind power, not just in words but actions,
as a way of reducing carbon emissions and addressing man-made climate
change. We believe that far too many wind farm applications are being
turned down and the planning process itself is often too lengthy.
Press releases
were sent out before and after the event with the follow up press release
containing photographs from each summit.
The weather on
each of the mountains was very poor, however this did not stop the
climbers from making the summits at midday to unfurl the banners.
The activity
coincided with European wind week
Many thanks must
go to all those that took part in the event, in the planning and working
with the media. It was a day that will be long remembered !!
Photographs can
be seen at
www.sea-photographs.synthasite.com
UK must plan for a warmer future
June 18th 2009
The UK has to
plan now for a future that is hotter and will bring greater extremes of
flood and drought says environmental secretary Hillary Benn
Launching the UK
climate Predictions 2009 Report ( UKCP09) MR Benn told MP's "that the UK
climate will change , even with a global deal on emissions. By 2080 London
will be between 2 and 6 degrees hotter than it is now, every part of the
UK is likely to be wetter in the Winter and drier in the Summer according
to predictions" he said..
Three Key NGO's endorse wind week 2009
June 12th 2009
A number of NGO's gave an emphatic thumbs up to wind week 2009,
which started on Saturday June 13th and will last until Sunday June 21st.
The World Wide Fund for nature (
WWF) said "WWF
supports wind week 2009 and encourages everyone to get along to their
nearest wind farm event to learn about this clean, non-polluting
energy source."
GREENPEACE
stated "
GREENPEACE
is fully behind wind week 2009. Tackling
climate change is urgent and wind power has so much potential as the most
mature, easy to scale up renewable energy technology, it's time to get
moving on wind now." Friends of the Earth
said
"FOE is backing wind week, the UK has one of the largest potentials for
wind energy in the whole of Europe. Urgently harnessing this power will
slash emissions, create thousands of green jobs and make the UK a world
leader in developing a clan, safe and sustainable future."
For further
information on UK wind week go to
www.embracewind.com
Turbine contracts signed for the Lindhurst wind farm
May 27th 2009
RWE Npower
renewables has signed a contract with wind turbine manufacturer Vestas, to
supply five turbines for its wind farm at Lindhurst, to the south of
Mansfield, Notts. The wind farm was given the green light by Newark and
Sherwood district council in September 2007 SEA campaigned for over a year
in support of the wind farm and collected in excess of 3000 letters from
local people, as well as lobbying the local media and politicians.
It is expected
that construction activities will start on site towards the end of this
year, with the wind farm expected to be completed and generating
electricity by the end of 2010. The turbines will be the Vestas V90 model,
each with a generating capacity of 1.8MW and a tip height of 125 metres.
Once operational, the wind farm will have an installed capacity of 9MW,
the annual generation expected at the site would be equivalent to the
domestic needs of up to 5400 average UK households.
SEA is delighted
that at last construction of this wind farm will shortly begin, we believe
that it will be a real land mark for the town and will show that
Nottinghamshire is serious about its commitment to addressing man-made
climate change by supporting carbon free sustainable energy. We hope that
this wind farm is the first of many in the county.
Wales plans for energy self-sufficiency with renewables in 20 years
May 23rd 2009
Wales, today
laid out radical plans to make it one of the most energy and resource
countries in the world within a generation. The government development
plans which are legally binding are far in advance of anything planned for
England or Scotland and would see it become energy self sufficient in
using renewable electricity generation within 20 years and reduce waste to
zero by 2050. The proposals would make Wales one of only three countries
in the World legally bound to develop "sustainably".
"We intend to
reduce by 80-90% our use of carbon based energy, resulting in a similar
reduction in our greenhouse gas generation," said Jane Davidson, the Welsh
environment minister, launching the sustainable development scheme at the
Guardian's Hay Festival. " We are committed to making annual 3% cuts in
greenhouse gas emissions from 2011," she added
Largest onshore wind farm to be expanded
May 21st 2009
Europe's largest
onshore wind farm is to be expanded further, Scottish First Minister Alex
Salmond has announced. Mr Salmond was speaking as he officially switched
on the 140 turbine Whitelee wind farm on Eaglesham Moor in East
Renfrewshire. He said developers, Scottishpower Renewables had been given
permission to add a further 36 turbines to the site, that would allow the
£300m wind farm to power 250,000 homes.
Each turbine at
Whitelee, which started producing electricity in January 2008, stands at
110m at tip height, the Scottish Government's approval of the wind farm
would give the wind farm an installed capacity of 452MW. The First
Minister said " Whitelee in it's current form is already flying the flag
for onshore wind power in Europe and the planned expansion, which I am
delighted to announce today, will enable the wind farm to harness its
comparative and competitive advantage in wind generated energy within
Europe."
A £2m visitor
centre is also planned at Whitelee and the wind farm is due to be fully
opened to the public, walkers, cyclists and ramblers in the Summer.
Keith Anderson
of Scottishpower Renewables said " this is now the first over 300MW wind
farm in the United Kingdom and we believe others will follow."
Wind industry gives thumbs- up to Budget package
April 23rd 2009
UK renewables industry leaders have today welcomed Alistair Darling's
Budget announcement of a package of measures to build a low carbon economy
and further decarbonise electricity generation. The proposals include a
potential £525m of new money through a review of the support mechanism for
offshore wind. The Chancellor also announced a new deal with the European
Investment Bank to provide a package of up to £4 Billion for investment in
renewable infrastructure projects, as well as a one year across the
board doubling of capital allowances from 2o% to 40%
Adam Bruce, BWEA Chairman said " This package of measures
deserves a welcome from our industry and is line with proposals that we
have been working through with the government. It addresses the short term
economic hurdles we faced due to the fall of the pound against the Euro
and the post-Lehman collapse in project finance."
He added " It also restates the government's long-term commitment to the
renewable energy sector, and should enable us to unlock up to £10 Bn of
private sector investment in wind and marine energy projects over the
coming few years."
Richard Mardon,
Managing Director of Your Energy Ltd, a leading UK onshore wind energy
developer said of the Budget " The UK has 9 GW of wind energy projects on
and offshore with planning consent or in construction, a much as 5GW of
which could be completed within the next two to three years. Sorting out
funding issues at this stage is crucial if we are to make a decisive step
towards reaching our 2020 targets on renewable energy."
New nuclear plants will cost every family £3,000
April 15th 2009
Every family faces a bill of at least £3,000 to pay to clean up the waste
produced by a new generation of nuclear power stations it has been
claimed. As ministers on April 14th unveiled details of 11 locations
where plants could be built, campaigners warned that the cost of removing
dangerous waste will be borne by the tax payer.
Nine of the proposed plants are near existing power stations, including
Dungeness in Kent, while two further plants could be constructed
near to Sellafield in Cumbria, the UK's largest nuclear facility.
Ministers hope that the first of the replacement plants will be open as
early as 2018 - They insist that the cost will be met by the private
sector, but Neil Crumpton of Friends of the Earth, said that taxpayers
have already been stuck with a £75 billion bill - or £3,000 per family -
to dispose of the current nuclear waste. He added that " The figure has
crept up dramatically over the years, it is quite reasonable to expect
that it will double with the new waste."
Simon Hughes, Liberal Democrats spokesman for energy and climate change
said "We know that never in British history has the nuclear industry not
needed to be bailed out by the taxpayer." - Source - The Daily Mail April
16th 2009
Climate activists planned action at Radcliffe-On-Soar power station
April 13th 2009
Over 100 climate activists were arrested at a Nottinghamshire school on
Monday. A police spokesman said the group were believed to targeting
Radcliffe-On-Soar coal fired power station nearby. He added "information
received during the operation indicates that a number of those arrested
maybe linked to a group of climate change protesters who have set up
climate camps - This group have previously staged demonstrations at Drax
power station in North Yorkshire, Heathrow Airport and Kingsnorth Power
station in Kent."
The plant at Radcliffe-On-Soar, which is run by the energy company Eon,
has seen protests by environmental campaigners in the past, including
members Eastside Climate Action. However speaking on behalf of the group,
Bob Andrews said " we don't know anything about the arrests - it wasn't us
and we don't know who has been arrested, but if people were planning to
shut the plant down, like we did two years ago, then that is great news."
He added " we would fully support people taking sage and responsible
action to stop carbon emissions, Radcliffe is the third biggest source of
CO2 in the country; it has to be closed down if we are serious about
climate change."
Meanwhile, the Camp for Climate Action, which has previously protested at
Drax, Heathrow, Kingsnorth and the recent G20 Summit in London - refused
to comment on the arrests. Source BBC News
British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) is moving
April
3rd 2009
The British Wind Energy Association ( BWEA) on Monday April 6th 2009 is
moving address - It will be BWEA, Greencoat House, Francis Street, London
SW1P 1DH. Tel 0207 901 3000 . E-mail
info@bwea.com Website www.bwea.com
- SEA wishes them good luck in the new office !
Work to resume on Rhyl Flats offshore wind
farm
April 3rd 2009
Npower Renewables has announced that it will resume the offshore
installation works at its Rhyl Flats wind farm. The offshore wind farm is
located some 5 miles off the north Wales coast. Once fully
operational, it will generate enough power to meet the demands of around
61,000 homes.
The company has said that the construction of the first 25
wind turbines will commence when the jack-up barge Lisa A has been loaded
with components at the Port of Mostyn, from where it will sail to the wind
farm site.
Sustainable Energy Alliance supported the application by lobbying local
media and politicians.
RSPB call for more onshore wind farms
-
March 24th 2009
There should be a
significant
increase
in the number of wind farms built onshore in the UK the RSPB has
said. It called for an end to the "needles delays that beset wind farm
projects, after a study said that more turbines could be built
without harming wildlife.
It would be "disastrous" if the vast
potential for wind power in the
UK was wasted, the charity added
GREENPEACE Take action in Brussels -
March 10th 2009
GREENPEACE activists, including two from north Wales ( Jonathan Lincoln
and Caroline Yan-Man-Shing) were among 340 volunteers, from some 20
countries who took direct action in Brussels when they surrounded
the European Council Building, a number of activists also chained
themselves to the gates of the building. They were trying to prevent the
European finance ministers from leaving the building until they agreed to
pledge significant funding so that developing countries could address
climate. All of the activists were arrested and were later interview by
Police before being released. Caroline said " I am here to make sure my
government take the steps to get us out of this economic and climate
crisis that can give people long term jobs in sustainable industries", she
added "some European countries are complaining that they can't afford to
take action on climate change, but I say they can't afford not to - if
this planet was a bank, they would have saved it by now."
GREENPEACE said, Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the UK government should
be stimulating the economy with investment in sustainable technologies and
industries that would create long term work that is less vulnerable to
future economic crises.
Caroline said " leading climate scientists say we only have 92 months to
start reducing, rather than increasing our emissions, politicians don't
seem to be listening and certainly don't seem to represent me, so now is
the time for me to take a stand and take action against climate change."
She added, "Non-violent direct action and solidarity with other people
makes you feel that change is really possible - to be equal to the task,
politicians need to be equal to the task and set serious emission
reduction targets. They need to take action to save rainforest and give
cash for developing countries to adapt to the climate change that is
already happening."
Scientists: act now or face climate catastrophe
March 13th
The worlds leading scientists issued a desperate plea to politicians to
act on climate change yesterday, amid warnings that without action the
world faces decades of social unrest and war. In what was described as a
watershed moment, more than 2,500 leading environmental scientists agreed
a statement that called on governments to act before the planet become
unrecognisable and in places an impossible place to live.
At en emergency climate summit in Copenhagen, scientists agreed that "
worse case scenarios were already becoming a reality and unless drastic
action was taken soon " dangerous climate change" was imminent.
In a strongly worded message, that unusually for academics, appealed
directly to politicians , they said there was "no excuse for inaction "and
that "weak" and "ineffective" governments must stand up to big businesses
and vested interests
Steps should be "vigorously and widely implemented", they said to reduce
greenhouse gases. Failure to do so would result in "significant risk" of
"irreversible climate shifts", the statement added.
Consent
given for the Gwynt-Y-Mor wind farm project !Dec
3rd 2008
After
campaigning for the proposed Gwynt-Y-Mor offshore wind farm, SEA has
welcomed the news that consent has at last been given by the
Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC).
Jonathan Lincoln
the UK coordinator for SEA said "we are obviously delighted with the
outcome and wish to thank the planning authority for giving the wind farm
the "green light", they must be applauded for their forward thinking and
belief in wind power as a way of addressing climate change".
He added " this
is a fantastic day for Wales and the UK, and the wind farm will be a
real icon for the country. If we are serious about tackling man-made
climate change then we have to take action to address it, this must
include the way we generate electricity. Wind power must and will play a
key role in our energy mix alongside other renewables and energy
efficiency. The building of this wind farm is a big step forward for a
truly sustainable energy future in the UK."
Many,
many thanks must go to everyone that has worked so very hard in supporting
the wind farm over the last
three and a half years, and to all those that have backed us, we have
collected close to 5000 letters of support and spent many weekends
engaging with the public in Llandudno, and discussing the issues about the
project.
DECC Secretary
Ed Milliband said "the 750 MW development will create a powerhouse for
renewable energy off the north Wales coast."
"The UK
must clean up its energy supply to fight the damaging effects of climate
change and more wind power will help us to do this" he said.
He added " the
UK is leading the world in offshore wind and the developments off north
Wales will keep us as front runners."
A spokesperson
for the British Wind Energy Association ( BWEA) said " the development was
fantastic news" adding " Gwynt-y-Mor is a landmark project both for Wales
and the United Kingdom as a whole."
Miliband opts for 80% emissions target and feed in tariffs
Oct 16th 2008
The new
Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change , Ed Miliband has
confirmed that the UK will now aim for an 80% emission reduction by 2050.
In his first speech to Parliament he announced that the amendments will be
added to the Energy Bill to introduce a feed-in tariff to support
small scale renewable energy.
He said "the environmental impacts
of climate change, like melting sea ice in the Arctic, was now worse than
it had been expected when the 60% target had been set." He added "
the government accepts all of the recommendations of the
Committee on Climate Change, we will amend the Climate Change Bill to cut
greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 and that target will be binding in
law."
The Secretary of
State also confirmed his intent to press for Europe to stick
to its proposed 20% emissions cut by 2020 and 20% renewable energy target,
and press for a 30% emissions target if a new global agreement is reached
at Copenhagen next year.
Department
of Energy and Climate Change created
Oct 6th 2008
The UK
government has announced the creation of a department of energy and
climate change, the move which has for the first time brought together an
arm of government explicitly uniting climate and energy has been welcomed
by the renewables industry and the environmental movement. The new
department, which will be headed by Ed Miliband will assume
responsibilities previously covered by two departments - DEFRA AND DBERR.
Greenpeace executive director John Sauven said " for the last ten
years the government has dithered on climate change, offering us inspiring
rhetoric but little in the way of action." He added " bringing energy and
climate together at last reflects the urgency of the threat we face from
climate change."
Study
eases fear about wind farm threat to birds -
Oct 1st 2008
Wind farms do
not drive birds from surrounding areas, British researches said today, in
findings which could make it easier to build more wind farms - see full
story on the news page...
Norfolk
anti
wind farm campaign slammed
Sept 10th 2008
Claims that a wind farm in Norfolk would make nearby homes worthless and
ruin peoples lives were exaggerated , misleading and untruthful, the
advertising watchdog the ASA has ruled. In the adjudication the ASA upheld
five complaints against Fenland Landscape Against Turbines ( FLAT)
and found nine breaches of its code of conduct concerning truthfulness and
substantiation .
An ASA spokesman said " protesters may feel strongly about what they are
doing, but it is important that people realise that there are standards in
all advertising, including leaflets, and there needs to be evidence
behind any claims made."
Green
light given to Duddon Sands Offshore wind farm
Sept 4th 2008
The Duddon Sands Offshore wind farm has this week been given consent
DBERR, one of the three largest offshore wind farms approved in the UK so
far. The project is proposed by Morecombe wind ltd, a consortium
Scottish Power, Eurus Energy and DONG Energy
The wind farm could number up to 139 turbines, depending the on the
individual type of turbine used and could generate up to 1.75 TWh per
year, equivalent to the electricity needs of 30% of Lancashire homes.
John Hutton also gave the go ahead to a revised planning application for
the 30 turbine Ormonde wind farm near to the west of the Duddon Sands wind
farm .
John Hutton, commenting on the two wind farms said " These wind two farms
demonstrate our commitment to dramatically increase the amount of energy
we generate from renewable sources helping to cut the UK's carbon
emissions and secure our energy supplies."
He went on to say " West of Duddon Sands will be one of the largest wind
farms approved to date and will help provide a significant contribution
towards our renewable energy targets - Companies want to build here
because we have made the UK one of the most attractive places to invest in
offshore wind."
China
puts UK out of top five -
September 2nd 2008
China displaced
the UK in the top five most attractive countries for investment in
renewable energy for the first time in the indices five year history. This
is according to the latest Earnst and Young renewables energy
attractiveness indices which track and score global investment in
renewable energy. The UK dropped from fourth to sixth in the all
renewables index and from second to fifth place in the long term wind
index. The report shows that China is diversifying its energy supply by
incorporating more sustainable sources into its rapidly expanding energy
generation mix.
Jonathan John's, head of renewable energy at Earnst and Young said " the
Chinese success story has been driven in part by the governments renewable
energy policy which aims to generate 15% of the countries energy from non
carbon sources by 2020." He added, " Investment in China has been boosted
by the governments energy policy, which secures renewable energy as a
vital and important part of the countries energy mix."
China is also likely to become a significant exporter of wind
turbine equipment in a few years, adding to its already strong presence in
the solar industry.
Denmark's largest offshore wind farm approved
Sept 3rd 2008
Denmark's largest offshore wind farm has been approved by the Danish
Parliament on Tuesday August 26th. The wind farm will be sited in the
Kattegat Straight in the North Sea. The wind farm will be capable of
producing 400 MW of energy, enough to meet the demands each year of up to
400,000 homes according to the Climate and Energy Minister. The offshore
wind farm will number between 100 and 175 turbines, depending on the size
of the turbines installed.
Jakob Lau Holst, the acting Director of the Danish Wind Industry
Association ( DWIA) said " the new construction will help Denmark it its
bid to reach the European Commission's goal of generation 30% of
energy by wind by 2020." He added " at the same time it is also important
that we don't rest on our laurels, we need to continuously build at sea
and land over the coming years to reach the goal and send an
international message that we are serious about reducing our greenhouse
gas emissions,"
According to the latest figures from the DWIA, Denmark has 5267 wind
turbines of which nearly 70% are sited on Jutland (in 2006) offshore wind
power produced 22% of Danish wind energy.
SEA would like to congratulate the Danish government and the Climate and
Energy Minister for their support and belief in wind power as a way
of addressing man-made climate change. We believe that consent for the
this offshore wind farm clearly shows Denmark's faith in wind power
Ofcom
rules on The Great Global Warming Swindle - July 21st 2008
A controversial
Channel 4 film on Global warming broke Ofcom rules, the media regulator
says, The Great Global warming Swindle attracted various complaints,
including claims that it mislead contributors. In a long awaited
judgement, Ofcom says Channel 4 did not fulfil obligations to be impartial
and to reflect a range of views on controversial issues - Full story on
the news page...
UK's
blueprint for green revolution - June 26th 2008
..
One in four UK homes could be fitted with solar heating equipment and 3500
wind turbines could be erected across Britain within twelve years as part
of a green energy revolution to be proposed by the government this
week. The UK could cut its greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 20% and
reduce its dependency on oil by 7% within 12 years if it conducts the
massive overhaul of energy production and consumption outlined in the
strategy document according to the government. Although the proposals are
contained in a consultation document, the government has committed
to hitting the 15% renewable energy target and ministers accept that
many of the measures in the report will have to be introduced, one
of these measures includes a 30 fold increase in offshore wind power
generation. SEA welcomes the consultation document and hopes that the
proposals outlined become a reality.
John Sauven, director of
GREENPEACE
said, "if this plan becomes a
reality, Britain will be a better, safer and more prosperous country.
We'll create jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and use less gas,
and in the long run our power bills will come down."
Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) rules against another anti wind farm
group
The Advertising
Standards Authority ( ASA) the independent body which policies the rules
laid down in the advertising codes", has upheld four of the six complaints
made by the wind farm developer Acciona against the anti wind farm group
"Save Trannon Moor Action Group" (STAG) as it was believed that claims made
by the group in opposing the Trefeglws wind farm application were
misleading. In conclusion the ASA told STAG to
remove the claims
from their published materials... "inefficient - produces only 28% of
capacity on average", "Will devastate wildlife - birds, bats and other
mammals will all suffer". Will threaten the health of local residents -
noise, vibration and blade flicker " and "Will waste money -
subsidies will be charged to everyone's electricity bills..." The ASA
advised them to consult the CAP Copy Advice team before advertising in the
future. To see the full adjudication, go to
www.asa.org.uk for the complaint
published on May 28th 2008.
Slovenia nuclear alert after leak
- June 4th 2008
A leak of water has prompted Slovenia to shut down the reactor at its only
nuclear power plant. The European Commission issued an EU-wide alert under
its Ecurie early warning system for nuclear emergencies, the AFP news
agency reported. A safe shut down was in progress at the Krsko nuclear
plant the report added.
Over 3000 say "NO" to the Heathrow expansion - May 31st 2008
Over 3000
climate
campaigners and environmentalists from across the UK
attended the Heathrow Carnival to say a unequivocal " NO" to
the planned Heathrow expansion. The fun started at the Hatton Cross
tube station and the procession made its way to Sipson - the village
that will be destroyed if a third runway goes ahead. At Sipson the
environmentalists spelt out a giant human "NO" to expansion at Heathrow that
was clearly visible from the air. Activists from SEA attended the event
and travelled to the event in a minibus along with another green group.
.
Nuclear
and coal fired plants fail causing blackouts - May 28th 08
Hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses across London, Cheshire,
Merseyside and East Anglia were yesterday hit by power blackouts as both
the Sizewell B nuclear plant in Suffolk and the Longannet coal fired
station in Scotland went offline within minutes of each other.
News was released today that the cost of cleaning up the UK's ageing
nuclear facilities, including some dangerous sites looks set to rise above
£73 Bn. A senior official from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority said
the bill would rise by billions of pounds. Nineteen sites across the
country, some dating from the1950's are due to be dismantled over the
coming decades.
European wind day June 15th 2008 -
The European
Wind Energy Association ( EWEA) is organising a second pan European day to
highlight the benefits of wind energy. 18 countries have already confirmed
their participation in this years wind day and will organise hundreds of
activities across European regions and cities. These will include wind
farm inaugurations and open days, concerts, conferences, information
days with schools, debates, races, contests and much more ! Further
information can be found at www.ewea.org
Chernobyl 22 year anniversary -
April
26th 2008 marked the 22nd anniversary of the nuclear accident at
Chernobyl. Up to 500,000 people may have died out of the two million who
were officially classed as victims of the accident according to new
estimates collated by researches commissioned by European parliamentary
groups, GREENPEACE International and medical foundations in Britain,
Ukraine, Scandinavia and elsewhere. Some seven million
people were affected by the accident and today Chernobyl is still a ghost
town.
Stern warns that climate change is far worse than 2006 estimate
Lord Stern, the
economist whose report on climate change helped galvanise world leaders
behind the green energy movement when it was published some 18 months ago,
has admitted is far worse than the assumptions made in the ground breaking
report. "We badly underestimated the degree and risks of climate change"
he said in a speech in London on April 16th, "all the links in the chain
are on average worse than we thought a couple of years ago".
Study warns of wildlife losers - April 14th 2008 -
Wildlife will
increasingly be divided into winners and losers as the impacts of
climate change is felt along the UK coast, the National Trust has warned.
The habitats of numerous plants and animals will be damaged by rising sea
levels, coastal erosion and flooding. Wading birds, the grey seal and
Sandhill rustic moth could suffer.
Conference tackle climate issues - April 14th 2008 -
The challenge of
tackling climate change in Wales is being debated at a conference over the
next two days. "Climate change, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" in
Llandrindod Wells, Powys will ask whether Wales has "woken up" to the
issue. Other subjects include the response to issues in Wales and beyond,
and whether people need to act sooner, differently or more effectively" Wales environment minister Jane Davidson AM will open the conference.
The Welsh Assembly
Government has highlighted its
commitment to renewable energy, when on February 19th. Minister for the
environment, Jane Davidson AM launched the renewable energy map for Wales.
Ms Davidson announced that by 2025 , it was feasible that Wales could
produce around 33 terawatt hours of electricity per year from renewable
sources ( current consumption in Wales is some 24 terawatt hours) with a
third coming from wind power.
NEW !
Climb
to the top of the Swaffham wind turbine on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwmalCmwtFU
and
check out these
climate / wind farm videos !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzjOcOcQ9U Climate challenge 2' 01"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaBoLqds-Bg Animation 1'
59"
We
are presently campaigning on or have worked on the following wind farms -
Gwynt-Y-Mor offshore wind farm - North Wales
www.npower-renewables.com/gwyntymor
Planning
Status - Consented
Lindhurst wind farm - Near Mansfield Notts
www.npower-renewables.com/lindhurst
Planning
Status - Consented
Langham wind farm - Anderby, Lincolnshire
www.npower-renewables.com/langham
Planning
Status - In planning
Rhyl Flats offshore wind farm - North Wales
www.npower-renewables.com/rhylflats
Planning Status
- Consented
Thacksons Well wind farm - Lincolnshire
www.thacksonswellwindfarm.co.uk
refused - watch this space for updates...
Cheverton Down wind farm Isle of Wight ( with ITAG)
www.clpwindproject.co.uk
Planning
Status - Consent refused - CLP to appeal - watch this space
We
will soon be working on the STOP WYLFA campaign..........
Further details for these on "Support the Alliance" page
You
can help
support
SEA by buying some of our merchandise ! Go to "support the Alliance" page.
COMMENTS OF THE WEEK....
"
Wind power blows away the opposition " P Kench - Llandudno
" Time to start thinking about our
children's future" S. Dastiagir - Croydon
" I support this wholeheartedly " D.
Williams - Anglesey
If
you have any pro wind comments and would like to add them to our Website,
please e-mail them to Jonathan -
jon@leafandstream.fsnet.co.uk
Further comments on our "Quotes" page
FORTHCOMING EVENTS...
Watch this space !!
UK National wind week - June.
More information to follow.........
SEA will soon be working on
the campaign along with other anti nuclear groups to stop the Wylfa
new build project - information about Wylfa can be found at
www.stop-wylfa.org
Be part of the
solution...
RECENT NEWS...
June 26th 2010 - SEA is to lobby Siemens for the company to build the 160
turbines used for the construction of the Gwynt-Y-Mor offshore wind farm,
in the UK, we believe that where ever possible, materials and jobs for
wind farms, both on and offshore, should be sourced in the UK.
June 22nd - SEA writes to Barrack Obama regarding the devastating BP oil
leak in the Gulf and thanking him for his comments " It is time to end
America's fossil fuel addiction" and asking for his assurance that he and
his government will do all that they can to support renewable technologies
in America, and move away from their dependence on fossil fuels.
June 15th 2010 - SEA write to Cheryl Gillan MP, Chris Ruane MP and Darren
Miller AM
June 8th 2010 -
SEA writes to David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Chris Huhne, offering
congratulations on the general election result and asking for their
assurance that they will do all in their power to support renewable
technologies, especially that of wind power to offset CO2 emissions and
address climate change.
June 5th 2010 - SEA and WWF Cymru issue joint press releases to all
of the local media including radio and television regarding the news of
the construction of the Gwynt-Y-Mor offshore wind farm. FOE Cymru also
issue a press release. SEA is quoted on the front page of the north Wales
Pioneer as saying " The construction of the Gwynt-Y-Mor offshore wind farm
will provide a great opportunity for Wales and will show the rest of the
UK and the world that this country takes its responsibilities and
commitments to addressing man-made climate change seriously." - the
pro wind group is is also given coverage in the Rhyl Journal. The Daily
Post gave coverage on the front page and two additional pages, it
was quoted as saying " The Daily Post today welcomes the news a huge wind
farm will create hundreds of jobs for the north Wales people, it added "
And forget how it looks, it's time we all got behind building it."
Secretary of State for Wales was quoted as saying " the announcement was
excellent news" she went on to say " Gwynt-Y-Mor will be one of the
biggest single private investment projects ever seen in Wales, creating up
to 1000 quality jobs and contributing many millions of pounds to the
regional economy of north Wales. It will also become one of the biggest
offshore wind farms in Europe."
In the same paper, Anne Meikle, head of World Wildlife Fund Cymru
said, " We have a real opportunity with Gwynt-Y-Mor to use the powerful
resource off the Conwy Coast to help global efforts to fight climate
change." Director of Friends of Earth Cymru, Gordon James said, "
Gwynt-Y-Mor provides and excellent opportunity to boost the green energy
revolution that the Welsh Assemble Government is backing."
In The Rhyl Journal, Chris Ruane MP for the vale of Clwyd said " the
development would create hundreds of quality jobs, which would have a
positive knock-on effect with the local economy", he added, " This is an
excellent opportunity to combine job creation with green technology,
putting the region at the cutting edge of wind power."
Darren Miller AM is quoted in the north Wales Pioneer as saying that "
There was overwhelming public opposition both from members of the local
communities and elected representatives at all levels." This claim was
made, despite the the fact that almost 5000 letters of
support were submitted by local people and visitors to the area
May 26th 2010 - Jonathan gave an interview for Renewable UK with regard to
the campaigning undertaken by SEA over the last 5 years and in particular
the work done in supporting the consented Gwynt-Y-Mor offshore wind farm,
where as part of the campaign, the group collected with the help of FOE
Cymru close to 5000 letters of support.
May 20th 2010 - The foundations for the five turbines for the
Lindhurst wind farm south of Mansfield, Notts are now finished and the
turbine parts are expected in a matter of weeks, SEA campaigned for this
wind farm for a period of over a year and as part of the campaign
collected over 3000 letters of support. This will be the first operational
wind farm in Nottinghamshire and we believe it will be a landmark for the
town on Mansfield. We look forward very much to seeing the wind farm
operational.
May 13th 2010 - Jonathan gave an interview with BBC Radio Wales re the
potential for small scale hydro power in north Wales
May 6th 2010 -
This date marks the fifth anniversary of the the foundation of SEA. Many
thanks to all those that have helped in our campaigns to support wind
power across the UK, Here's to the next five years !
April 26th 2010
- Interview given re the anniversary of the nuclear accident at Chernobyl
February 3rd 2010 - Sustainable Energy Alliance Canada
http://www.sustainea.com
added as a link to our site
Sept 16th 2009 - The Island Turbine Action group ( ITAG) on the Isle of
Wight, have been busy this week engaging with members of the public and
giving them the opportunity to support the Cheverton Down 3 turbine
wind farm application on the Island - more about ITAG at
www.islandturbines.co.uk
-
Well done ITAG !!!
August 24th 2009
August 21st 2009 - The Assessment and
Qualifications Alliance (AQA) contacted SEA regarding our consent for the
use of one of our photographs to be reproduced within an examination
paper or examination related publication. Permission was given by SEA
July 15th 2009 - Jonathan gave a live
interview on BBC Radio Wales alongside a spokesperson from the group
that opposed the Gwynt-Y-Mor offshore wind farm. The interview concerned
the Rhyl Flat wind farm, and its construction status. SEA look forward
very much to the completion of the wind farm, later this year and the
first phase of the construction of the Gwynt-Y-Mor offshore wind farm.
April 18th 2009 - SEA has commissioned
three new t-shirt designs, they will feature the single wind turbine on
all three and one of the following lines - "GOOD DAY FOR A WIND FARM",
"WIND FARMS ROCK" or " WINDY NIMBYS BLOW THIS" Just in time for some
summer campaigning !!
March 5th 2009 -Save Our Scenery (SOS),
the campaign group that have opposed the consented Gwynt-Y-Mor offshore
wind farm have accepted defeat
in their campaign by publicly announcing
that they have "given up". The group claim that they do not have the funds
to continue with a legal challenge to the wind farm despite their claim of
"support" from 5000 members of the public. We believe that it is more
likely that they have come to realise that their cause is a lost one and
that no amount of funds would prevent the inevitable construction of the
wind farm. The fact that, Conwy County Borough Council after taking
legal advice decided not to pursue a legal challenge in to the application
in January of this year appeared not to matter to SOS. Gwynt-y-Mor, the
worlds second largest offshore wind farm will now be built......
January 29th 2009 - Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) decide
NOT
to pursue a Judicial Review into the consented Gwynt-Y-Mor wind farm
after legal advice stated that any action would be unlikely to
succeed. Conwy's cabinet, in a second meeting agreed with the recommendation of the council, and to take "no further action in
relation to a Judicial Review with regard to the proposed wind farm."
SEA is pleased
with the outcome as it has long believed that a Judicial Review was
totally unnecessary as we think that all proper procedures were
followed and the planning application was given fair and appropriate
consideration by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC), we
further believe that a legal challenge would have been costly and would
have served only to delay the inevitable construction of the wind farm.
Jonathan gave
interviews with the Daily Post, BBC Radio Wales and issued press
releases to the Weekly News and Pioneer.
January 26th
2009 - SEA write to all of the councillors prior to the planned full
council meeting on January 29th, urging them not to take any further
legal action against the consented Gwynt-y-Mor offshore wind farm.
January 15th 2009 - SEA contacted the Advertising Standards
Authority ( ASA) further to the formal complaint made by SEA against SOS
and a number of their materials ( all six complaints including a
photomontage, which was described as both "crude and misleading" were
upheld by the ASA). SOS refused to accept the ruling made in
November 2006, resulting in the ASA sending in a compliance team,
SOS did not sign
the assurance of compliance
and as a result, the CAP compliance team issued an
alert to the industry advising them not to accept advertisements from SOS
before consulting CAP.
The full
ASA ruling can be see on their site
www.asa.org.uk
- archive page, dated Nov 30th 2006
Given Save Our
Scenery's inability or indeed unwillingness to provide substantiated and
accurate information to back up any claims made in their published
material, when asked to do so, can we actually trust or have faith
in anything they actually say.. The blatant refusal to accept
the ruling by the ASA an (independent body )surely must bring into
question the integrity of the group and further the validity of any
claims made by the group in opposing the Gwynt-Y-Mor wind farm.
January 14th
2009 - Jonathan writes to Ed Miliband and DECC to thank them for the
decision to grant consent for the Gwynt-Y-Mor wind farm on December 3rd
January 12th
2009 - SEA commission a new campaign t-shirt which includes the words
"GWYNT-Y-MOR -CONSENTED Dec 3rd 2008
January 13th
2009 - SEA contacted Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council re
the cost of their failed High Court bid - This was for £117,000
January 7th 2009
- activists from SEA alongside FOE Cymru supporters attend the CCBC special meeting in Conwy.
The full council decided to seek legal advice with a view to
pursuing a legal challenge into the Gwynt-Y-Mor consent decision. After
the legal advice is reviewed the council will then make a decision as to
whether to proceed. SEA understands that the cost to the council and to
the local tax payer could be in excess of £100,000, in fact in a
similar action that failed last year, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council
were handed a bill fro £117,000, this was for a High Court hearing that
lasted just two days. Jonathan gave interviews to three local papers, BBC
Radio Wales and local TV. An interview was also given on Champion radio.
December 29th
2008 - SEA issue press releases to the local media re our
lobbying of the councillors urging them not to pursue a Judicial Review at
the special meeting by Conwy County Borough Council ( CCBC). SEA
believes that the Judicial Review is wholly unnecessary as in our opinion
all proper procedures were followed and the application was given fair and
appropriate consideration by the consenting authority. Furthermore a
Judicial review would also be costly to the council and would only serve
to delay the construction of the wind farm. In July of this year, in a
similar action, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council suffered a defeat in
it's High Court bid against a wind farm just one and a half miles off the
north east coast' after a costly two day High Court hearing, Mr
Justice Sullivan dismissed the councils Judicial Review challenge
against the wind farm. He said " I am fundamentally of the view that that
this application must be rejected. The mere assertion that a wind farm may
spoil the outlook generally and may effect the value of property is not a
sufficient basis on which a challenge can be based. In this case, the
principle issue, visual impact is very much a matter of judgement and
whether that visual impact by national energy policy."
December
6th 2008 - SEA activists and supporters of the group took part in
the National Climate
March - on Saturday December 6th in London. We took part alongside
other green groups and climate campaigners in a global day of climate protest
( further details at
www.globalclimatecampaign.org joining people from all around the world to
demand action now to prevent the catastrophe that threatens to engulf us
all. Also see www.campaigncc.org.
It was a long and tiring day but to be part of the event was important to
us, shame that we didn't see anyone from Save Our Scenery on the day...
December 4th
2008 - SEA issue press releases to all of the media in Wales following the
Gwynt-Y-Mor consent decision.
December 3rd
2008 - Jonathan took part in a live interview with a member of Save Our
Scenery on BBC Radio Wales, discussing the consent decision of the
Gwynt-Y-Mor wind farm.
November 12th
2008 - SEA activists in London called at officers for The Department for
Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform ( now known as Department for
Energy and Climate Change DECC) and enquired as to the progress for
the Gwynt-Y-Mor planning application.
November 12th
2008 - Activists from SEA took part in the Parliamentary event on the
Planning Bill at the House of Commons. Over 40 MP's had expressed an
interest as well as individuals and representatives from groups with
campaigns such as supporting wind farm development, opposing airport
expansion and nuclear power new build. There was a strong presence
from Friends of The Earth. The day was most successful for SEA, as well as
lobbying politicians and discussing the need for wind power in the
UK, specifically consent for the Gwynt-Y-Mor wind farm application, we
were also able to network with other environmental campaign groups.
November 11th
2008 SEA attended to a wind farm inauguration in Yorkshire, the event was
well attended by other supporters of wind power and local people
October 18th
2008 - Activists from SEA and supporters of the group were busy on the
high street again in Bangor, talking to members of the public about the
proposed Gwynt-y-mor wind farm and providing them with the opportunity to
support the application. The full Environmental Statement ( ES)
which included a number of photomontages and in depth information about
any possible environmental impacts was on display along with copies
of the Non Technical Summary (NTS). SEA believe that it is important that
factually correct and substantiated information is made available. so that
the public can make an informed decision based on that information as to
whether to support the application or not.
October 11th
2008 -SEA were out campaigning for the Gwynt-Y-Mor wind farm on the
streets of Bangor, as always the support for the offshore wind farm was
overwhelming. All of the letters collected will be sent to DBERR, urging
the consenting authority to give the project consent.
October 6th 2008
- SEA writes to Ed Milliband and Peter Mandelson asking for support for
the Gwynt-Y-Mor wind farm application.
September 23rd
2008 - SEA activists and other anti nuclear campaigners attending the
public meeting in Caernarfon, which asked the question - Climate
change : Is nuclear power the answer ? Speakers included Dylan
Morgan from PAWB and Neil Crumpton from Friends of the Earth Cymru. More
information about PAWB can be found at
www.stop-wylfa.org/index.html.cy
September 12th
2008 - Signs of climate change found in Llandudno. Ecologists have found
signs of climate change on Llandudno's rocky shore as species migrate
north. The national Shore Thing survey has teamed marine experts with
schools to study behavioural changes in marine life on rock shores.
Project officer,
Fiona Crouch at the Marine Biological Association explained: "We have been
looking for 22 climate change indicator species on shores around the UK,
five of which we found in Llandudno in July. Leading scientists have
predicted that sea temperatures will rise by 2 degrees Centigrade by 2050
if we don't do anything to change our carbon reliant ways. As sea
temperatures rise, many marine species are moving north from what we
would consider their normal bio-geographical ranges. The changes are still
subtle, but finding species in Llandudno that have traditionally lived
further south is significant
August 26th 2008
- SEA write to Nick Clegg to thank him for his recent support for
renewable energy and particularly that of wind power as a way of
addressing climate change.
August 24th 2008
- Friends of The Earth Cymru publish "Wind Power 20 myths blown away" .
This is designed to set straight many of the claims used by the anti wind
farm lobby. The environmental group says that "Wind power offers a clean;
safe and efficient source of energy. Yet the opponents of our most
advanced renewable technology seemed determined to mislead and misinform."
The full version of the publication can be downloaded at
www.foecymru.co.uk
July 24th 2008 -
SEA commission the making of 100 mugs, these will have the SEA logo on one
side and the outline of a turbine with the words "Love it" beneath it on
the opposite side. A great way to show your support for SEA / wind power
and enjoy your early morning tea !!
July 23rd 2008
The Advertising Standards Authority ( ASA) the independent body that
polices the rules laid down in the advertising codes published the
ruling on the formal complaint made by SEA against Belvoir Locals Opposed
to Turbines (BLOT), the group who opposed the Thacksons Well wind farm
application. - See the news page for the full story...
July 12th 2008 -
SEA along side FOE Cymru were busy again engaging with the public
regarding the Gwynt-Y-Mor offshore wind farm, this time on the high street
in Bangor....Again the support for the application was overwhelming, with
people queuing at times to put pen to paper in support. Many thanks to all
those that helped on the day and to a "high street Bank" for the free
photocopying......
June 28th 2008 -
SEA activists were busy once again on the high Street in Llandudno
engaging with the public, both tourists and locals, we even had visitors
from Italy, Slovenia and Spain giving their support for the wind farm by
completing a letter. Despite one of the group members of the "anti group"
taking a number of photographs ( without our consent ) of us and our
materials ( they must think we are great), the day once again was very
successful ! Many thanks to all those that helped - the campaign to win
consent for the wind farm goes on.......
June 26th 2008 -
SEA contact the head of the Great Yarmouth Tourist Board concerning any
possible impact from the Scroby Sands offshore wind farm on tourism - see
news page !!
June 26th 2008 -
SEA writes again to John Hutton following the release of the Renewable
Energy Strategy consultation document calling on him to grant
consent for the Gwynt-Y-Mor wind farm application, press releases are also
issued to the local media advising them of this. SEA welcome the report
and hope that the promises become reality.
June 25th 2008 -
Jonathan is interviewed by the team from Manchester University re their
impartial research in to opinions on the Gwynt-Y-Mor offshore wind farm.
June 19th 2008 -
Press release regarding the UK wind energy weekend and SEA
public engagement work on June 14th in Llandudno published in
the north Wales Weekly News.
June 14th 2008
marked the UK wind energy weekend with twenty wind farms open to members
of the public and some 20,000 people expected to attend events across the
UK. The wind energy weekend coincides with the European wind day on June
15th, where around 100,000 people are expected at events in 18 countries
across Europe. To highlight the day activists from SEA were again on the
high street in Llandudno engaging with the public and providing them with
the opportunity to support the proposed Gwynt-y-Mor wind offshore farm .
SEA have also issued a press release following the weekends activities to
the local media.
June 12th 2008 -
SEA writes to the following Assembly Members - Alun Davies, Dafydd
Elis-Thomas, Nerys Evans and Joyce Watson, calling to them to give their
support for the Gwynt-Y-Mor wind farm application.
June 5th 2008 -
Mike Pritchard ( representing Save Our Scenery - the small, but vociferous
group opposing the Gwynt-Y-Mor wind farm) wrote to the North Wales Weekly
News, claiming that Npower Renewables has funded Manchester University
research into public opinion in Llandudno on the Gwynt-Y-Mor wind farm
application. This has subsequently been shown to be
untrue
as funding for
the research is solely by the Higher Education Funding councils and is
impartial. The University has written to the paper correcting Mike
Pritchard's misleading claim. SEA wrote to the paper asking if Mr
Pritchard would accept that he was wrong and offer and apology for
misleading the people of Llandudno. As yet ( July 28th) we are still
waiting...
May 31st
2008 - Activists from SEA along with another green group from north Wales
travelled to London and took part in the peaceful protest against the
planned third runway at Heathrow airport. Over 3000 climate
campaigners and environmentalists from all over the UK took part and
made it clear to the government that airport expansion will only add to
the threat of man-made climate change. It was fantastic for SEA to be
represented at the event and to work alongside other green groups. Many
thanks to all those that took part in the activity.
May 24th 2008 -
SEA, FOE and the Green Party took to the high street in Llandudno talking
to the public about the Gwynt-Y-Mor offshore wind farm.
May 20th 2008 -
SEA writes to Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Nick Clegg, Nick Bourne and
Rhodri Morgan calling on them to give their backing to the Gwynt-Y-Mor
wind farm application.
May 17th 2008 -
SEA again were on the streets of Llandudno engaging with members of the
public and providing them with the opportunity to support the Gwynt-Y-Mor
offshore wind farm application - Thank you to all those that helped !
May 16th 2008 Friends of the Earth and People and Planet were busy on the
high street in Bangor providing the public there the opportunity to
support the Gwynt-Y-Mor offshore wind farm, the response as in
Llandudno was overwhelming in support of the application. Many thanks to
all those that helped on the day.
May 7th 2008 - SEA has letters published in the north Wales Journal and
the Pioneer.
May 8th 2008 - SEA has now transferred most of its funds to the Triodes
Bank www.triodos.co.uk , who work
with a variety of organisations, from small cooperatives to international
businesses, organic farms, renewables energy projects and charities. SEA
receives no funding from business, central or local government, our only
income is from the sale of merchandise and donations from the public. All
funds raised are to be used for climate campaigning activities and the
supporting of wind farm applications across the UK.
May 8th 2008 - SEA anniversary - This date marks the founding of SEA,
three years ago in Llandudno, looking back we have come along way and
achieved many successes in that time. Many thanks to all those that
have played a part in all that we have done ! Here's to the next three
years !
May 7th 2008 - SEA returned to Llandudno again engaging with the public
and giving them the opportunity to give their support for the Gwynt-Y-Mor
wind farm application, a decision by the Department for Business
Enterprise and Regulatory Reform ( DBERR) is expected in the next two
months.
May 3rd 2008 - Representatives from SEA, FOE Cymru and the local Green
Party were busy again in Llandudno talking to members of the public and
giving them the opportunity to give their support for the Gwynt-Y-Mor
offshore wind farm project. Activists were busy on the promenade where the
ship constructing the Rhyl Flats offshore wind farm could clearly be seen,
this was pointed out to people who were writing letters of support. Once
again backing for Gwynt-Y-Mor project was overwhelming from locals
and visitors alike. Many thank to all those that helped on the day !
April 26th 2008
- SEA activists alongside campaigners from Friends of the Earth (FOE),
were busy engaging with members of the public on the high street in
Llandudno and providing them with the opportunity to give their support
for the proposed Gwynt-Y-Mor offshore wind farm application. Photomontages
of how the wind farm would look as well as the full Environmental
Statement ( ES) and Non Technical Summaries ( NTS's) were on display, so
that people could make an informed decision as to whether or not to
give their backing. The response was overwhelmingly
in support
and at times people were queuing at the table to put pen to paper. Many
thanks to Friends of the Earth for their time and energy !!
April 17th - SEA
letters appeared in the north Wales Pioneer.
April 16th 2008
- Jonathan attended a workshop in Llandudno run by the Countryside Council
for Wales ( CCW) to discuss a process for the selection for highly
protected marine reserves in Wales. Coastal development has led to the
loss of coastal habitats and changes to natural sediment movement.
Greenhouse gas emissions are resulting in climate change and ocean
acidification. It was a productive day for SEA with some useful networking
with a number of campaign groups present..
April 5th 2008 - SEA activists took part in the Welsh Assembly Governments
climate change community event at Venue Cymru in Llandudno. The day
consisted of a range of workshops and a climate change action market place
with information stands and one to one advisors. Jane Davidson WAG AM
Minister for the environment, gave a keynote speech on climate change and
the need to address it. For SEA it was a very productive day and a
fantastic opportunity to network with other climate groups and discuss the
Gwynt-Y-Mor wind farm application with representatives from the WAG,
their support and interest in the scheme was very encouraging and many
proudly wore SEA badges and took the new pro wind car sticker. All in all
the day was a great success, Many thanks to all those from SEA who gave
their time ! It was reported that Jane Davidson was to have commented
later that it was "great to see a pro wind stall".
April
3rd 2008 - The Government has published its long awaited Marine Bill
and part of the Bill pledges better management of inshore fisheries and
measures to speed up the approval process for offshore wind farms by about
a year.
March
19th 2008 - Some GOOD news ! The main
offshore construction works to build Rhyl Flats offshore wind farm are due
to start in early April 2008. The 25 turbine project will make a
significant contribution towards the Welsh Assembly Governments renewable
energy and carbon reduction targets. Once fully operational the 90 MW
offshore wind farm will provide enough clean and truly sustainable energy
to meet the energy needs of around 61.000 homes. The project will be
sited some 5 miles off the north Wales coast, between Abergele and Pensarn.
Construction of the project should be fully completed by July 2009. SEA is
looking forward very much to seeing the wind farm up and running !!!
March
26th 2008 - The SEA letter re Save Our Scenery and support for nuclear
power appeared in the Pioneer.
March
20th 2008 - SEA has a letter published in the North Wales Pioneer
following the disclosure from the chairperson of Save Our Scenery ( SOS)
that he supports nuclear power.
March
21st 2008 - SEA sent a letter by post and e-mail to the 17 local
councillors expressing our disappointment at their decision not to approve
the application. We believe that they were taken in my the often factually
incorrect and misleading arguments used by BLOT, the group opposing the
scheme.
March
18th 2008 - Jonathan took part in a live interview on a local radio
station in Llandudno re the Gwynt-Y-Mor wind farm application
March
17th 2008 - A press release was issued to the local media in Grantham,
stating that though SEA is "disappointed and surprised" by the planning
authorities decision not to grant consent for Thacksons Well wind farm,
the campaign group would continue to support the project.
March
11th 2008 - SEA activists and supporters of the Thacksons Well wind farm
application attended the planning meeting in Grantham. The meeting lasted
for over four hours and was a total and utter farce. The room was
full to capacity with angry nimbys, who jeered and stamped their feet
like children. The planning authority seemed to have made up their minds
before the meeting had taken place as to which way to vote. The group
opposing the application made a number of lengthy presentations which were
often factually incorrect and misleading, unfortunately, their word was
taken as the truth and the 1000 plus letters gathered in support, many of
these from local people meant little. In the end the authority made a
decision that they were "minded to refuse consent for the application,
despite the chief planning officer advising them to give it the
green light. The developer has made it clear that they will take this to
appeal - SEA will remain committed to the project - This is not
over.........
March
5th 2008 - Press releases are issued to the local media advising them of
the complaint by SEA against BLOT
March
4th 2008 - All of the local South Kesteven Councillors are written to
again, advising them of SEA's formal complaint to the ASA against BLOT.
March
3rd 2008 - SEA make a formal complaint to the Advertising Standards
Authority ( ASA) - the independent body which polices the rules laid down
in the advertising code - against Belvoir Local Oppose Turbines (BLOT) -
the group opposing the Thacksons Well wind farm. SEA believes that a
number of materials used by BLOT to gain support in opposing the
application are misleading and factually incorrect . SEA further believes
that the claims made must bring into question the validity of the argument
against the scheme and that any support gained by BLOT, based on this
material and subsequent petitions submitted to the planning authority
should be deemed as inadmissible, as the signatories were clearly mislead.
SEA believe that the vast majority of the general public, when given the
opportunity and provided with substantiated, factual information, fully
support wind power as a means of addressing climate change.
February 22nd 2008 - All of the local councillors on the South Kesteven
council are written to, advising them that SEA are backing the application
and urging them to give the project the green light.
February 19th 2008 - SEA activists and supporters take to the streets of
Grantham with a 5ft hour glass highlighting the fact that time is running
out to address man-made climate change and that wind power must play a key
role in addressing it. The group also displayed pro wind banners and
spoke to the people of the town about the Thacksons Well wind farm
project. The Grantham Journal attended and took a photograph - press
releases were also issued with photographs of the day to other local
media.
February 9th 2008 - SEA activists and supporters of the Thacksons Well
wind farm application made a site visit on the farm and displayed banners
supporting the application. A press release was sent along with
photographs of the day to the local media
January 29th 2008 - SEA
has decided to give its full backing to the Thacksons Well wind farm
application near Long Bennington, Lincolnshire. The project will number 10 turbines and
have an installed capacity of up to 23MW, meeting the demands of 12,800
homes each year. After looking at the proposal we believe that this is an
application that deserves to be given consent - The local authority are
set to meet on March 11th 2008 to decide as to whether or not to
grant consent. SEA also would also like to welcome Bryan Widdowson as the
new local contact for the application ! Watch this space for updates.
January 27th 2008 - Jonathan spoke at length with Robert Lilly (
Renewables Consents Manager) for the Department for Business Enterprise
and Regulatory Reform ( DBERR) regarding the Gwynt-Y-Mor offshore
application. Jonathan said that SEA "believed that a public enquiry would
be unnecessary as the application has been comprehensive in every
aspect, and the enquiry would be costly in terms of finance and
time.
January 4th 2008 - SEA activists and supporters of the proposed
Gwynt-Y-Mor wind farm made their voices heard at the Conwy Council
planning meeting for the project - see news page...
December 20th - SEA are added to the latest edition of the Whole Guide
magazine -
December 17th 2007 - Consent given for the Milton Keynes wind farm
application !
December 14th 2007 - Press releases issued to the media in North
Wales re the recent council planning meeting.
December 14th 2007 - Jonathan gave an interview for the North Wales weekly
News and with a school in Llandudno.
December 12th 2007 - SEA activists and supporters of the Gwynt-Y-Mor wind
farm application were out in numbers at the Conwy County Planning
Meeting, urging the authority to give the offshore project the green
light. One supporter was dressed as King Canute, representing those that
are actively opposing the wind farm and think that they can stop the
rising sea levels that global warming will bring. Pairs of Wellington
boots were also being offered to the nimbys with the message " if you
continue to campaign against projects such as Gwynt-Y-Mor, you may find
these useful !".The council has softened its opposition to the project -
more details to follow.....
December 10th 2007 - SEA took part in a south Wales university study to
the attitudes to wind power. 127 students were polled and the results were
5 opposed and 122 in favour - clearly showing what we have known all
along, the vast majority of the public say YES to wind !
December 10th 2007 - Jonathan gave an interview to the north Wales Pioneer
re Gwynt-Y-Mor and the plans for offshore wind farm development.
December 7th 2007 - Huge expansion for wind turbines - see the news page.
December 8th 2007 - Despite poor weather conditions, supporters of SEA
attended both the climate march in Bangor and London. The idea of the
march was to highlight the threat of climate change and demand action to
address it. Marches took place across the globe in a day of action. Many
thanks to those that made if from SEA
November 21st-22nd - SEA activists visit Llandudno again to campaign for
Gwynt-Y-Mor ! Over just six days two SEA activists managed to collect 1601
support letters in the town, clearly showing the level of support for the
project.
November 17th 2007 - Climate experts warn of abrupt warming - After talks
in Valencia, scientists have agreed on a document which they hope will
shape the debate on the next phase on the fight against climate change. It
declared the fact of global warming "unequivocal" and said it may bring
"abrupt and irreversible" impacts. Full story on the news page
October - SEA takes action by the way of public engagement in Llandudno on
Oct 3rd/4th and Oct 24th/25th....... Again the support we found was
overwhelming ! When the general public are given the opportunity and
presented with accurate and factually correct
information about the proposed Gwynt-Y-Mor wind farm, the vast majority
have been shown to be
fully behind it. Please go to the "quotes page" to see just a few of the
positive comments given ! Many of these are local people from Llandudno,
this totally blows away the myth put around by the group opposing the application that the majority of local people are against the project.
October 19th - Jonathan gave a radio interview on Heart FM in Notts re the
consented Lindhurst wind farm.
October 11th - SEA article in the North Wales weekly News re our work
supporting the Gwynt-Y-Mor wind farm.
October 10th - Lindhurst consent news article appears on the
GREENPEACE yes2wind site
www.yes2wind.org
Consent given for the Lindhurst wind farm
application !
After
a year of campaigning in Nottinghamshire ( collecting in excess of 3000
letters of support from local people) lobbying MP's, councillors and media
work, the decision as to whether or not to grant consent was decided by
Newark and Sherwood Planning Authority on Tuesday Sept 18th. SEA activists
attended the meeting and had to wait while the planning officer read
her report ( of recommendation) and then the issue was debated by
the local councillors. After what seemed like forever a vote was made and
it was 8 for and 3 against ( despite the best efforts of the nimbys) So it
is a fantastic result !! This is Nottinghamshire's first wind farm
and will be a real icon for the county. Many, many thanks must go to
all those that put so much time and energy into supporting the
application, it is much appreciated - especially Bryan and Beth who have
been total stars !
Prior
to the meeting, Jonathan wrote to local MP's and the councillors on the
planning committee urging them to back the application. Press advisories
were issued to local media, advising them of the 3000 letters of support
which were submitted to the planning authority. Interviews were given to
Mansfield FM and Radio Nottingham before the meeting and Mansfield FM,
Radio Nottingham, Heart FM and The Chad afterwards. Press advisories
were also issued after the ruling.
Photocopies of the 3000 letters were submitted to Mansfield District
Council, who had earlier opposed the application.
And
now for Gwynt-Y-Mor consent......
We
need supporters of the revised Gwynt-y-Mor wind farm application to write
to the consenting authority, urging them to give the application the green
light ! Please write to .....
The
Secretary of the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform
(DBERR)
C/O Offshore Renewables Consents Unit, Bay 2117, 1 Victoria Street,
London. SW1H 0ET Or you can e-mail
offshore.renewables@berr.gsi.gov.uk
Please also ask your friends to do the same !
September 24th 2007, 700 further letters of support were submitted to the
planning authority, taking the total to a massive 3000 plus !!!
August 24th 2007 - Alan Meale MP and Paddy MP, were both written to, urging
them to back the Lindhurst application.
August 6th 2007 - New environmental information including revised turbine
layout designs for the proposed Gwynt-y-Mor offshore wind farm have been
submitted to the Government and other relevant organisations by the
project manager npower renewables. Further design work has reduced the
area within the area which the turbines would be built by
16%. It is
hoped that the decision by the consenting authority as to whether or not
to grant consent will be given later this year.
For
further information about the changes, go to
www.npower-renewables.com/gwyntymor
July
12th 2007 - Jonathan gave an interview on Mansfield 103 radio re Lindhurst
July
10th 2007 - Npower Renewables, the company behind the Rhyl Flats offshore wind
farm issued a press release stating that it had signed a major contract
with Siemens to supply and install the turbines- The wind farm will
consist of 25 wind turbines, compared to 30 at North Hoyle, it will have
an installed capacity of 90 MW and is expected to generate 50% more clean
electricity than North Hoyle, enough to supply 61,000 homes. Offshore
foundation construction will start this month with the installation of
scour protection and the installation of the foundation piles will
commence in April 2008, making the start of the main offshore works
period. The first turbines are expected to start generating in November
2008, with the project completion anticipated in July 2009. This really is
fantastic news, SEA has been backing the project and lobbying MP's and
councillors to support it.
July
2nd - Activists from SEA and local people were busy in Skegness
talking to local people and giving them the opportunity to support the
Langham application - more dates to follow.
May
30th - Jonathan gave a live interview on BBC Radio Nottingham re
Lindhurst.
May
26th and May 27th - Lindhurst wind farm campaign stalls in
Newark and the Nottingham Green Festival resulted in a further 327 letters
being collected.....despite raining all day on Sunday ! Many thanks to all
of those that gave their time, thanks also to everyone that has helped
with the campaign, the determination date is expected at the end of
June.... watch this space !
May
24th - Jonathan gave an interview for Trent FM re the Lindhurst wind farm.
May
23rd - Press advisories were issued to radio stations in Notts re
campaigning for the bank holiday weekend
May
21st - Press advisories were issued to newspapers in Nottinghamshire
regarding SEA activities for the weekend in the county.
May
21st - Press advisories were issued to the Skegness Standard, Target
series and Lincs FM, advising them that SEA are now backing the
Langham wind farm application.
May
12th - The DTI, WAG and a number of MP's, AM's and North Wales
councils were written to advising them of SEA's backing of the already
consented offshore wind farm Rhyl Flats.
May
5th - SEA on the streets of Newark.... activists from SEA were once again
campaigning for Lindhurst and managed to collect a further 204 letters of
support.
May
2nd - All of the councillors for the Newark and Sherwood Planning
Authority were e-mailed and also written to, advising them of the numbers
of letters backing the wind farm submitted so far and urging them to back
the Lindhurst wind farm application.
May
1st - SEA have another article published on the GREENPEACE Yes2wind
site (
www.yes2wind.com)
April
2007
weather set to break record.....The UK Met Office has released figures
showing that this month is likely to be the warmest April since records
began some 300 years ago
SEA
have given their full backing to the already consented Rhyl Flats offshore
wind farm ( North Wales), this is despite claims made by the group
opposing the wind farm, that the public were mislead with the application.
We believe that the public were in no way mislead, the building of Rhyl
Flats and Gwynt-Y-Mor wind farms are vital if we are to moves towards a
sustainable energy future here in Wales. Press releases to the media in
North Wales were issued.
Jonathan took part in debate with a nimby on BBC Radio Wales with
regard to the proposed Gwynt-Y-Mor wind offshore farm. This was
aired on April 23rd.
Jonathan gave an interview in the Daily Post on April 18th.
The
DTI commissioned an NOP poll on views on wind farms and found that 81% of
the general public were in favour of wind power ! This result
is no surprise to us as we always have found a great deal of support.
Cathy
Mackle ( regional coordinator for the west midlands) has moved house and
is no longer able to hold that post for SEA but will still be
involved in some capacity - Many thanks to Cathy for all that she
has done ! We would like to say thank you and welcome to new coordinator for the west midlands - Becky Lees
!
The
pro wind group skill share at The Centre for Alternative Technology ( CAT)
organised by SEA was a huge success and the weekend finished on a high by
visiting a local wind farm on the Sunday - see news page. We
have just placed an order for two further campaign banners, which will
soon be in action...
Jonathan gave interviews on Radio Nottingham, Radio Trent FM and Mansfield
103 on March 2nd, these were as a result of press releases issued on Feb
26th re SEA work in Notts and the proposed Lindhurst wind farm. The
Nottingham Evening Post also ran with the press release.
SEA
out on the streets of Newark again on February 17th and
March 3rd,collecting a further 450 letters of support- see news page.
Lewis
wind farm - Western Isles Council have voted by 18 votes to 8 in support
of the proposed 181 turbine wind farm on the Island ! More on the news
page
Jonathan gave interviews (one live) on Radio Nottingham and Mansfield 103
regarding the IPCC Report and the Lindhurst wind farm application
This
major UN climate change study has prompted fresh calls for political
action to head off soaring temperatures and rising sea levels. Without
action, global warming will deliver catastrophic change.
The
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ( IPCC) released
its report on global warming. The report said that temperatures were
probably going to increase by 1.8 -4 degrees Centigrade by the end of the
century. It is also projected that sea levels were projected to rise by
28-43 cm and global warming was likely to influence the intensity of
tropical storms. The summary of the report is available at
http://www.ipcc.ch/SPM2feb07.pdf
Clearly, action must be taken now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
support must be given to renewable technologies along with energy
conservation. Of all of the renewables, wind power is the most developed
and able to deliver energy on a large scale.
Environment Secretary, David Milliband described the report as a blow for
" climate change deniers".
A new
"pro renewables" campaign group " Renewable Energy Foundation" (REF) has
recently been set up, however it is not what it seems ! The groups chair
Noel Edmunds has long been known to hold anti wind farm views and the group
has a blatant anti wind policy ! Though they do appear to support offshore
-
Two
big offshore wind farms, The Thames Array and Thanet, both of the South
East of England have been given the "green light " by the DTI - Fantastic
News !!
More
about these two wind farms on the news page
Save
Our Scenery (SOS) the nimby group opposing the proposed Gwynt-Y-Mor
offshore wind farm, north of Llandudno, continue to use photomontages on
their Website, despite the ruling by the ASA, which described the main
image produced by the group as both crude and misleading !
The
ASA make another ruling against a second anti wind farm group - see news
page
The
Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) recently announced
it is upholding all six of the complaints made against wind farm
opposition group, Save Our Scenery (SOS) and materials they have been
using to oppose the proposed Gwynt-Y-Mor offshore wind farm.
This is excellent news for
us - see the news page for the full story !
The
MoD drop their objection to the Lindhurst wind farm
SEA
now have six articles on the GREENPEACE Yes2wind Website
www.yes2wind.com - archive pages, check it out !
We
have sold over 100 of our "Wind Farms Rock!" T-shirts and they are being
proudly worn in places around the world, such as the USA, Australia and
South Africa! They are a great way to campaign and show
support for wind power - Check them out on the supporting the Alliance
page.
SEA visit the North Hoyle
wind farm
(click on the picture to enlarge it)
More information on the
news page
SEA
activists ascend Snowdon and show "Yes to Gwynt y Mor" banner. Click
here for images and story!
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