Seamer Windfarm
Community Consultation

Wind power is a clean, renewable source of energy and just one modern wind turbine will help prevent the release of several thousand tonnes of CO2. Fossil fuel power stations are the largest contributor to UK carbon emissions.

True, but, In the UK, the wind always blows somewhere. A study by Oxford University concluded that concerns about windfarms not generating for long periods of time all at once when calm conditions extend across the UK are unjustified. The study found that the UK was never entirely becalmed, and that a diversified portfolio of wind power developments would deliver electricity during all hours. Based on our preliminary measurements at the Seamer site, electricity will be produced 80% of the time, generating different amounts depending on wind speed.

Capacity or load factor is often confused with efficiency. Over the course of a year, wind turbines will generate about 30% of their theoretical maximum output. This is known as the capacity factor or load factor and is NOT the same as efficiency. The capacity factor measurement is usually applied to fossil fuels, such as coal and is not really relevant to wind generation. The capacity factor of conventional power stations is on average 50%. Windfarms convert efficiently the natural energy contained in wind to electricity.

All forms of power generation require back-up, or reserve, as no energy technology can be relied upon 100%. The UK’s transmission system already operates with considerable reserve in order to manage the significant fluctuations in demand that occur throughout the day, as well as the instantaneous loss of a large power station. Variations in the output from windfarms are barely noticeable over and above the normal fluctuation in supply and demand. At present there is no need for additional back-up because of windfarms.

Modern wind turbines are remarkably quiet. Changes to turbine technology mean that mechanical noise from turbines is now considered to be almost undetectable. The main sound is the swoosh of the blades turning and this can generally only be heard close by. Standing at the foot of a turbine you would not have to raise your voice to hold a conversation. Government guidelines on wind turbines and noise emissions set noise thresholds to ensure the protection of people living nearby. However, the best way to find out is to go and visit an operating windfarm.

The UK is investing in other renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency measures to meet our energy needs. Renewables Obligation Certificates (the main support mechanism on which wind generation relies) is available to a wide range of renewable technologies. Onshore wind is one of the most cost effective and efficient renewable energy sources available at present and, accordingly, it is the leading provider of new renewable generation capacity.

The RSPB stated in its' 2004 information leaflet 'Windfarms and Birds', that “in the UK, we have not so far witnessed any major adverse effects on birds associated with windfarms”. The RSPB therefore supports windfarms that are well sited. Moreover, a recent report published in the journal 'Nature' confirmed that the greatest threat to bird populations in the UK is climate change.

We will need a mix of both onshore and offshore wind energy to meet the UK's challenging targets on climate change. At present, onshore wind is more economical than development offshore and offshore windfarms take longer to develop, as the sea is a more hostile environment.

Whether you think a wind turbine is attractive or not will always be your personal opinion. However, studies regularly show that most people find turbines an interesting feature of the landscape. On average 80% of the public support wind energy, less than 10% are against it, with the remainder undecided.