Three Towns Forum

The Local => Local News & Discussion => Topic started by: Fester on January 23, 2012, 02:36:24 pm

Title: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: Fester on January 23, 2012, 02:36:24 pm
I see that finally, work is about to begin on the next 160 wind turbines, so close to our beautiful bay.
Two years for completion.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-16676555 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-16676555)

I was hoping they had just forgotten about it, and gone away!
Title: Re: Wind farm developments locally.
Post by: Blodyn on January 23, 2012, 11:16:47 pm
I was hoping they had just forgotten about it, and gone away!

No such luck, Fester.   :(
Title: Re: Wind farm developments locally.
Post by: snowcap on January 23, 2012, 11:30:34 pm
sad to think they will just be something that the children of today will take for granted as things that have always been there
Title: Re: Wind farm developments locally.
Post by: majormellons on January 24, 2012, 09:24:57 am
I have no problem with the wind farms on a cosmetic front.
As a kid, I grew up with the 'eyesore' of electricity pylons, and just saw then as normal.
Kids today will do the same with the turbines.

My issue is that as a energy producing item, they are incredibly inefficient.
They quite often run at 5-10% capacity over an entire year and cost more in government subsides to run, than they produce in power to sell.
It can take decades to also claw back the initial construction costs.

I know the whole idea is to 'save the earth', but I don't think wind turbines are the answer.
If they were, why did we abandon windmills?
Title: Re: Wind farm developments locally.
Post by: Fester on January 24, 2012, 09:51:06 am
Hey, Major Mellons, long time no see!

I agree. There is way too much doubt over the efficiency of wind turbines, versus the colossal investment required.
Until the facts are established via a proper enquiry, then why spend the money, (or blight the bay as I would argue)

Especially because all the profit associated with the construction is going overseas!  To Germany of all places.
Title: Re: Wind farm developments locally.
Post by: Merddin Emrys on January 24, 2012, 10:10:03 am
We have to have nuclear power, like it or not!  Whatever system we have people complain about it, yet we all need power. Nuclear fusion is the way, just need to make it work! 
Title: Re: Wind farm developments locally.
Post by: Ian on January 24, 2012, 10:41:37 am
Nuclear fusion is the goal, though; and that will make a difference.
Title: Re: Wind farm developments locally.
Post by: Fester on January 24, 2012, 11:04:18 am
Tell us more!  (without using words that I have never heard before).
Title: Re: Wind farm developments locally.
Post by: Llechwedd on January 24, 2012, 11:51:17 am
Anyone got a bazooka? ;D
Title: Re: Wind farm developments locally.
Post by: Merddin Emrys on January 24, 2012, 12:06:53 pm
Tell us more!  (without using words that I have never heard before).

In a nutshell, current nuclear power stations use nuclear fission which is splitting the atom which releases vast amounts of energy, also of cause radioactive waste. Nuclear fusion is to join hydrogen atoms together which also releases vast amounts of energy but without the radioactive waste, its how stars work, we just have to reproduce a star in miniature in a containment field  :D 
  The JET project in Culham Oxfordshire has been working on this for many years, possibly the most important project for the future of us all!

Sorry that was a rather big nutshell!  :laugh:

http://www.efda.org/fusion/ (http://www.efda.org/fusion/)
Title: Re: Wind farm developments locally.
Post by: Fester on January 24, 2012, 12:14:43 pm
Doesn't sound so difficult.
Seeing as we have been splitting atoms for over 65 years, fusing a few together shouldn't be a big deal.

Perhaps David Williams welding skills could come into play here?
A containment field?  Well, you could use that spare ground near Bllington's Garage in Conwy, its going begging at the moment.
Creating a miniature star?   Well, little Jimmy Krankie managed it, as did Charlie Drake.   How hard can that be?

No, I think this is dragging on way too long.
Title: Re: Wind farm developments locally.
Post by: Dwyforite on January 24, 2012, 02:33:29 pm
i think the Japanese would gladly swap our windfarm for one of their nuclear plants at the moment,there must be a lot of head scratching going on as to their next move.fifty years from now if hydrogen power stations are the norm it will not be a big deal to lift these towers out of the sea and return our view.
Title: Re: Wind farm developments locally.
Post by: mull on January 24, 2012, 05:10:16 pm
The Japanese are not fools. They will move on to more efficient nuclear power stations,dont forget they have many years experience of running on nuclear electricity.
It is only in the UK were we the consumers will be paying for the windmills for years to come. Just to satisfy our politicians ego trip.
What is going on is not saving the planet, in fact in the long run it is just the opposite, and a few people are getting rich at our expense.
Just watch your electric bills over the next few years go up and up to pay for this.

The sooner politicians face reality and go for nuclear the better instead of being taken for a ride.

 $angry$ $angry$ $angry$
Title: Re: Wind farm developments locally.
Post by: dwsi on January 24, 2012, 05:11:05 pm
Anyone got a bazooka? ;D

Fester sells bath bombs, will that do?  _))*
Title: Re: Wind farm developments locally.
Post by: Ian on January 24, 2012, 05:39:34 pm
Quote
Nuclear fusion is to join hydrogen atoms together which also releases vast amounts of energy but without the radioactive waste

What fusion does is to attempt to create temperatures in excess of 10 000 000 C, at which point four Deuterium (one of the two stable isotopes of Hydrogen) atoms should fuse together to make one atom of Helium, the difference in mass being released as pure energy. The problems, aside from the high temperature acquirements, are that this process normally only occurs under intense gravitational pressure, such as that found in the centre of a star, and which they think can be duplicated either through intense electromagnetic fields or possibly pulse laser effects.

The trick is to get the reaction to become self-sustaining, which hasn't yet been achieved, but in the long run all it will do is produce heat which will boil water to make steam to turn turbines, so we can have the lights on.
Title: Re: Wind farm developments locally.
Post by: Fester on January 25, 2012, 12:09:24 pm
I hereby award this year's (Forum) Nobel prize for Science to.......(drum roll).........IAN!

Merddin Emrys gets the runners up prize.
Title: Re: Wind farm developments locally.
Post by: Quiggs on January 25, 2012, 12:36:49 pm
If Hydrogen becomes the fuel of the future, perhaps the windfarms could produce Hydrogen by electrolysis and store it out at sea  in a safe environment, only piping it ashore as required. Just a thought.   D) 
Title: Wind Farms
Post by: Llechwedd on February 27, 2012, 11:50:50 am
There's a very interesting piece in todays (Monday) Guardian - "Wind Farms axed as UK loses its taste for tubines".  Two double page spreads and a map.  Sorry I don't know how to scan but Gwynt Y Mor will have 168 and be ready in 2014 and be the fifth largest the other four large ones being on the east coast.
Title: Re: Wind farm developments locally.
Post by: Fester on October 22, 2014, 01:14:58 am
Due to 8 of the UK's 15 nuclear power stations being 'offline' on Tuesday, apparently the UK's windfarms contributed MORE to the National Grid than any other source. (about 14% of the total)

This will be a temporary anomaly, as the UK Govt is giving massive subsidies and major priority to building more Nuclear sites.
At the same time they are blocking any more rural or offshore developments of windfarms.
I makes you wonder whether it was all worthwhile.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-29715796 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-29715796)
Title: Re: Wind farm developments locally.
Post by: SteveH on October 23, 2014, 01:58:51 pm
CABLES: Our reporter Dave Powell is reporting from a Conwy council meeting: "Conwy councillors vote to change policy so Conwy demands that all cabling running in Conwy from North Wales Windfarms Connections Project should be placed underground not via overhead pylons."  DPblog
Title: Re: Wind farm developments locally.
Post by: Fester on June 09, 2015, 12:27:50 am
I think it's worth pointing out, after all is now said and done.... that the Windfarms in view from Llandudno Bay ARE a blight on the landscape (seascape?)
They probably belong more appropriately in the topic 'Local Eyesores'
They look absolutely terrible by day, and even worse by night.   &shake& &shake&
Title: Re: Wind farm developments locally.
Post by: SteveH on June 18, 2015, 12:32:08 pm
£2bn Gwynt y Mor wind farm officially opens off Llandudno

The wind farm covers an area of 31 square miles (80 sq km) and includes an offshore substation, weighing 1,500 tonnes.
It has taken 12 years to get off the ground and was not without its opposition from campaigners and councillors, worried about the visual impact and its effect on tourism and the seascape.
The original proposals were scaled down and planning permission was granted in 2008 by the then Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband.
Up to 100 jobs will be created at Mostyn docks, near Holywell, Flintshire, to service the turbines.
Even larger wind farms are being built in the North Sea, with an incentive of £155 per megawatt hour from the government.

The UK Government meanwhile has announced it is to end  :( :( :( subsidies for new onshore wind farms from April 2016.
It costs twice as much to build them out to sea than it does on land.RefBBC
Title: Re: Wind farm developments locally. WINDFALL FOR CONWY
Post by: SteveH on August 24, 2015, 05:37:48 pm
Wind farm to provide a windfall for Conwy

MORE than £19million has been made available to communities in Conwy by an offshore wind farm fund.

The Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm fund will be distributed throughout the lifetime of the project, and is now open for small applications up to £10,000 and for grants over £10,000.

Paul Cowling, managing director of RWE Innogy UK, said: “Communities hosting our projects are especially important to us.
“We are proud that RWE will be changing many lives for the good over the lifetime of the Gwynt y y Môr wind farm, creating a lasting legacy with an investment of more than £19 million.”
Launched in July, the fund is independently managed by Community and Voluntary Support Conwy (CVSC).

An independent advisory panel is now in place, comprising of community representatives from each of the counties as well as independent experts. They will meet on a quarterly basis to assess applications.

A wide range of enquiries have been received to date. From localised groups seeking no more than £500 for local community improvements, to larger more strategic cross county projects focussing on safety, education, training and the mentoring of young people into employment.
Wendy Jones CVSC’s chief officer, added: “The Gwynt y Môr grants programme provides us all with a great platform to create a positive and lasting impact on our communities not just today but well into the future.”
REF NWpioneer

Applications are still being encouraged, and for more information on
http://cvsc.org.uk/gwynt-y-mor/ (http://cvsc.org.uk/gwynt-y-mor/)
Title: TIDAL ENERGY
Post by: SteveH on March 24, 2016, 03:03:39 pm
Last year there was an article re. Tidal power in "Everything to do with Rhos on Sea" Reply 406  13/6/15

Now a new local company is looking at the prospect.....

Tidal energy review must look at jobs and flood defences says company planning to build a lagoon off North Wales

A company set up to develop a £7bn tidal energy scheme along the coast of North Wales says the scope of the latest review into tidal power is too narrow.
According to the North Wales Tidal Energy and Coast Protection Company (NWTE), the review of the sector announced by the UK Government should also include coastal protection and the economic benefits it would bring in its wake.

The company says its proposals would generate 2GW of electricity and create thousands of jobs during the construction phase.
St Asaph-based NWTE says it aims to work with local communities and business people to create a “world-leading tidal energy programme” and flood protection for places such as Colwyn Bay, Rhyl and St Asaph.
The company behind the planned Swansea Bay tidal lagoon, Tidal Lagoon Power, is also planning a lagoon in Colwyn Bay.
The chairman of NWTE said his company's scheme would provide much-needed coastal protection for vital strategic assets and communities where people currently live with the constant fear of devastating floods.

MORE...     http://www.walesonline.co.uk/business/business-news/tidal-energy-review-must-look-10978247 (http://www.walesonline.co.uk/business/business-news/tidal-energy-review-must-look-10978247)
Title: Re: TIDAL ENERGY
Post by: SteveH on April 05, 2016, 11:26:05 am
Experts focus on tidal power bid for north Wales
The challenges facing a bid to build a tidal lagoon covering 270 sq miles of the north Wales coast are the focus of a global marine conference.
The proposed North Wales Tidal Energy project (NWTE) would stretch from Llandudno to Prestatyn.
Backers claim it would generate enough electricity to power 750,000 homes - and help protect the coastline.
The plans are being discussed at a two-day event in Caernarfon, Gwynedd, with experts from 12 countries.
"What we are trying to do is to understand the physical environment, first of all, off the north Wales coast, so we have a good understanding of the physical processes - the whole eco-marine environment," explained Prof John Reynolds, who is one of the directors of the NWTE project.
"We've said right from the outset of the project, we said the whole element of the project is going to be research-led, it's going to be science-led."
Those involved in the project are already collaborating with Bangor University, which is hosting the fifth Marine and River Dune Dynamics conference at Caernarfon, Gwynedd.
It brings together marine scientists from South Korea, China, America, and Europe, with Prof Reynolds giving a keynote address on the lagoon scheme.

It is estimated that the whole project could cost £7bn, taking five years to build.
"North Wales is excellently suited for this tidal impoundment scheme as it displays one of the highest tidal ranges of the UK coastline," added Prof Reynolds.
"However, the underpinning technical challenges associated with the mobile seabed should not be overlooked."
The project envisages a wall being built out to sea, stretching between the seaside coastal resort of Llandudno in Conwy county over to Prestatyn in Denbighshire.
The barrier would house turbines to generate electricity, driven by the tidal force pushing through the wall.
In addition to generating electricity, the lagoon would bolster sea defences, in an area that is waging a constant battle against coastal flooding.
Those behind the lagoon claimed that "doing nothing" off the coast would cost up to £750m over the next 100 years in flood defence bills, a drop in coastal property prices, and the loss of inward investment.

However, it remains very early days for the tidal project, which is still bidding to attract the investment it needs to proceed.
It also faces competition from those behind plans for the Swansea lagoon scheme, who have also identified Colwyn Bay in Conwy county as another potential location for a tidal power scheme.
However, those plans - along with the Swansea project - are on hold, after the UK government announced its own review in February into the viability of tidal power across Britain.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-35961127 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-35961127)
Title: Re: TIDAL ENERGY
Post by: SteveH on April 12, 2016, 01:56:26 pm
Multi-billion pound tidal lagoon from Prestatyn to Llandudno will not happen 'overnight'
Speaking after a two-day conference, held in Caernarfon last on April 4, with leaders in science and the environment to discuss the North Wales Tidal Energy and Coast Protection scheme, Henry Dixon, chairman of North Wales Tidal Energy, said the project's planning phase could take up to five years.

The scheme will focus on integrating coastal protection and preventing flooding in areas such as Colwyn Bay, St Asaph and Rhyl, and could potentially generate electricity for up to 75,000 homes.

Mr Dixon, said: “This project will be similar to the Swansea scheme. We want to see if we can provide coastal protection whilst alleiviating flooding problems and generating electrcity.
“If we can build this and alleviate flood and insurance risk this can help with employment, economic regeneration, enhance tourism and create more business.
“This conference is to discuss the science of what is happening on the sea bed, with the sand, environment, fish, birds and how will it all be effected. We want to make sure we understand the science and broader community.”

The company, based in St Asaph, is still in the process of finding funding for the scheme but have engaged in dialouged with Natural Resources Wales and hope that the formal planning process will begin next year.

Mr Dixon added: “This is something that will not happen over night. For planning it will be a long process - possibly five years.
“This fits with the new Growth for North Wales Agenda, giving it a good impetus into the next generation.”
The company’s proposals would generate 2GW of natural, renewable energy and Mr Dixon said in the process it would create thousands of construction jobs, dramatically transforming the region's economic prosperity.

North Wales Tidal Energy aims to work with local communities and business people to create a "world-leading tidal energy programme".

Speaking at the conference Professor John Reynolds, managing director of near-surface geophysics consultancy company Reynolds International, said: “This conference on marine and river dune dynamics brings together the relevant expertise to help gain a science-led understanding of the way sediments would move around a tidal impoundment.

“North Wales is excellently suited for this tidal impoundment scheme as it displays one of the highest tidal ranges of the UK coast line.”
http://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/160822/multi-billion-pound-tidal-lagoon-from-prestatyn-to-llandudno-will-not-happen-overnight-.aspx (http://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/160822/multi-billion-pound-tidal-lagoon-from-prestatyn-to-llandudno-will-not-happen-overnight-.aspx)
Title: Re: Wind farm developments locally.
Post by: SteveH on June 15, 2016, 10:56:19 am
North Wales wind farm bomb exploded.
The first of three unexploded WWII  bombs found near a windfarm has been detonated at sea.
 RWE Innogy UK, which is building the  160-turbine Gwynt y Môr windfarm,  claimed that nothing could be seen from  shore in the noon blast and that there  was “little impact on the sea surface”.

 The underwater explosion measured 1.1 on the  Richter Scale according to the  British Geological Survey -  it must be at  least 2.5 to be felt on the sea surface.
 RWE is working with Ramora UK, a  specialist bomb disposal company, and  other contractors to carry out further controlled explosions.

 David Welch, Ramora UK’s managing director and senior explosives officer,  described such finds are “common”.
 He said: “The offshore renewable energy sector is a key and growing market  for our specialist bomb disposal services.
MORE/PHOTOS  http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/video-north-wales-wind-farm-6871164 (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/video-north-wales-wind-farm-6871164)
Title: Re: Tidal energy
Post by: SteveH on June 25, 2018, 06:27:41 pm
Bad news for the above mentioned Tidal energy/ coastal protection scheme.

Plans to build the world's first tidal power lagoon have been thrown out by the UK government.

Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said the £1.3bn project was not value for money, despite claims by developers Tidal Lagoon Power (TLP) a revised offer made it cheaper.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-44589083 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-44589083)
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: mull on June 25, 2018, 08:47:45 pm
Have a look at what the developer wanted to do in Cornwall to source his stone.

What is wrong with welsh stone ?
More to all this than meets the eye .

Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area Tidal energy
Post by: SteveH on June 27, 2018, 01:16:23 pm
The company behind plans for a North Wales tidal lagoon that could create 20,000 jobs and generate more than £11 billion for the regional economy has vowed to press ahead with the scheme.

Henry Dixon, the chairman of North Wales Tidal Energy (NWTE), the group leading the project, said he was not deterred by the UK Government’s decision to reject a tidal lagoon project in Swansea.

In announcing the decision, Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said the Swansea scheme was not value for money.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/giant-north-wales-tidal-lagoon-14832861 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/giant-north-wales-tidal-lagoon-14832861)
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: Mike on June 27, 2018, 04:08:16 pm
THe location of the North Wales planned lagoon is stated as starting at the Great Orme. in the above article.
Here is the company's concept: https://www.northwalestidalenergy.com/concept (https://www.northwalestidalenergy.com/concept)

So how much tidal rise/fall would there be inside the lagoon?
Would it become like a salt water lake?  Can't believe there is not a vocal opposition to this starting - Losing all the beaches Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Rhyl etc, resiting the lifeboat stations?, harbour access? pier maintenance? water becoming brackish and possibly polluted with runoff from land,  sea life like seals etc losing habitat, some big issues.

Or am I missing something?
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: Ian on June 27, 2018, 06:21:02 pm
We do have one of the higher tidal ranges in the world, so I imagine they've looked at it and decided the 'lake' as such will drain completely every so often.
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: Fester on July 02, 2018, 10:58:10 pm
It won’t happen anyway, nothing gets off the ground in Wales.
Swansea tidal lagoon rejected,  Grand Prix circuit rejected after years of debate and study.
I expect a load of money will be wasted on feasibility studies, scoping, lobbying MPs, .... endless committees....  and it won’t get off the ground, EVER.
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area........Tidal lagoon
Post by: SteveH on December 23, 2020, 02:18:54 pm
Seabed survey is major staging post for £590m tidal lagoon project in North Wales

Plans for a £590 million tidal lagoon have taken a major step forward after "encouraging" preliminary results of a seabed survey.

The initial findings of the second of a series of three studies showed the sea floor below the Dee Estuary is well-suited to bear the load of the proposed 6.7 kilometre lagoon wall, stretching from the breakwater at Mostyn to Point of Ayr near Prestatyn.

The green energy scheme, if given the go-ahead, will provide low carbon electricity for 82,000 homes as well as flood defences for homes, businesses and the strategically important Crewe to Holyhead railway line and A548 Coast Road.

cont  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/18964537.seabed-survey-major-staging-post-590m-tidal-lagoon-project-north-wales/ (https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/18964537.seabed-survey-major-staging-post-590m-tidal-lagoon-project-north-wales/)
Title: Re: North Wales News
Post by: SteveH on February 04, 2021, 01:10:28 pm
PLANS to expand North Wales’ offshore windfarm off the coast of Conwy have been backed in a public consultation.

Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm is being planned by RWE Renewables (RWE) about 10.5km off the coast to the west of the existing Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm.

The new collection of wind turbines covering an area of 106km2 would span from Colwyn Bay to Conwy.

cont  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19065153.plans-extend-windfarm-off-coast-conwy-backed-public-consultation/ (https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19065153.plans-extend-windfarm-off-coast-conwy-backed-public-consultation/)
Title: Re: North Wales News
Post by: SteveH on February 05, 2021, 12:25:21 pm
Airbus Broughton is gearing up to assemble the first wings for the latest "game-changing" plane from the aerospace giant.

Industrialisation and parts production for the first A321XLR is underway across Airbus sites and its wider supply chain.

This jet could provide a boost for the aerospace giant at a difficult time for the aviation industry and it has already secured orders for 450 planes.

cont   https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wings-latest-airbus-game-changer-19774816 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wings-latest-airbus-game-changer-19774816)
Title: Re: Re: North Wales News
Post by: SteveH on February 08, 2021, 12:39:20 pm
Energy giant BP could build a giant wind farm off the coast of North Wales.

The Crown Estate has today announced six proposed new offshore wind projects in the waters around England and Wales.

The six Round 4 projects together represent just under 8 GW of potential new offshore wind capacity with the opportunity to deliver clean electricity for more than seven million homes.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/energy-firm-bp-could-build-19792236 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/energy-firm-bp-could-build-19792236)
Title: Re: Re: North Wales News
Post by: SteveH on February 09, 2021, 10:25:43 am
"We have all the means to make North Wales a prosperous economically and happier society"

How should we be measuring a real economic success in North Wales?

Most countries measure their economic success by an economic formula called GDP (Growth Domestic Product). This old fashion simplistic way of measuring an economy is totally outdated and means very little to ordinary people.

GDP is based on total expenditure within a country. For instance, when a country faces a natural disaster such as earthquakes and flood the rebuilding cost will improve the GDP of that particular economy.

cont  https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/19074882.means-make-north-wales-prosperous-economically-happier-society/ (https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/19074882.means-make-north-wales-prosperous-economically-happier-society/)
Title: Re: Re: North Wales News
Post by: SteveH on February 17, 2021, 10:18:15 am
Readers give views on Awel y Môr windfarm plans as MS calls for further consultation

THE MS for Aberconwy has called for further consultation on proposals to extend North Wales’ offshore windfarm.

Plans to build Awel y Môr Offshore Windfarm about 10.5km off the coast to the west of the existing Gwynt y Môr Offshore Windfarm are due to be submitted by RWE next year.

The new collection of wind turbines, expected to be between 51 and 107 depending on their size, would cover an area of 106km2 from Colwyn Bay to Conwy.

shadow minister for environment, energy and rural affairs, said there are many residents who were not aware of the consultation and that further work should be carried out before the plans are submitted in 2022.

https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19096252.readers-give-views-awel-y-mor-windfarm-plans-ms-calls-consultation/ (https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19096252.readers-give-views-awel-y-mor-windfarm-plans-ms-calls-consultation/)


My last four posts on the subject of wind farms should have been in the correct thread, "Renewable energy in the area"  Ian if possible can you edit please, thanks

....http://www.threetownsforum.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1385.msg84995.html#msg84995 (http://www.threetownsforum.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1385.msg84995.html#msg84995)
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: Ian on February 17, 2021, 10:54:35 am
All done!
Title: Re: Renewable energy in the area........Tidal lagoon
Post by: SteveH on March 10, 2021, 12:06:55 pm
COUNCILLORS want to step up the quest for a tidal lagoon stretching miles along the North Wales coast, with one saying “we have got to do it”.

The call came after Conwy county council’s economy and place scrutiny committee heard one of the local group forums in Llandudno had received a presentation from a company at the forefront of wave power generation.

Council leader Sam Rowlands and Henry Dixon, chairman of North Wales Tidal Energy, presented proposals for a North Wales tidal lagoon at the local area forum north’s meeting on February 1, according to the minutes.

Cllr Rowlands has long advocated the need for the barrage project, which would not only generate power for up to 1.1m homes but could solve some of the North Wales coastal strip’s issues with rising sea levels.

cont   https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19149297.conwy-councillors-keen-push-ahead-tidal-lagoon-plans-north-wales/ (https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19149297.conwy-councillors-keen-push-ahead-tidal-lagoon-plans-north-wales/)
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on July 22, 2021, 09:58:27 am
A COUNCIL boss claims his authority could be a “world leader” in wave energy after backing a motion to support a large scale tidal lagoon off the North Wales coast.

Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, leader of Conwy county council, made the remark at last week’s full council meeting.

Members backed a motion brought by veteran councillor and former leader Ronnie Hughes to “support in principle the development of a large scale tidal project off the coast of Conwy county”.

It also called for the cabinet and elected members to lobby Welsh and UK governments to advance the idea, as well as set up a council working group on the subject.

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19460535.conwy-council-leader-claims-authority-world-leader-wave-energy-members-gives-support-large-scale-project/?ref=rss&IYA-reg=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4 (https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19460535.conwy-council-leader-claims-authority-world-leader-wave-energy-members-gives-support-large-scale-project/?ref=rss&IYA-reg=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4)
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on August 18, 2021, 01:19:32 pm
A PUBLIC consultation will be held over plans to extend North Wales’s offshore windfarm across the coast of Conwy.

Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm is being planned by RWE Renewables (RWE) about 10.5km off the coast to the west of the existing Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm.

The new collection of wind turbines, expected to be between 51 and 107 depending on their size, would cover an area of 106km2 from Colwyn Bay to Conwy. RWE expects to submit its application to the UK Government's Planning Inspectorate in 2022.
A hybrid consultation will be carried out from August 31 to October 11, including a virtual exhibition via the project website and face-to-face consultations in outdoor spaces across the region.

RWE has selected the preferred siting of the transmission infrastructure with onshore cables joining the coastland between Rhyl and Prestatyn, passing through Rhuddlan to a substation in Bodelwyddan.

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19520639.conwy-residents-urged-take-part-consultation-awel-y-mor-windfarm-extension/ (https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19520639.conwy-residents-urged-take-part-consultation-awel-y-mor-windfarm-extension/)
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on September 15, 2021, 10:30:58 am
Energy boss on how firm will refill giant oil and gas fields off North Wales coast with CO2
Eni are part of HyNet and say the carbon capture project in Liverpool Bay is a 'win-win' for the climate and economy

Oil and gas has been pumped out of giant hydrocarbon fields in Liverpool Bay for decades, with Eni UK feeding gas extracted from the sites into the Uniper owned Connah’s Quay power station in Flintshire.

Those fields are now nearly exhausted and operations by Eni UK due to come to an end in a couple of years.

But under low carbon cluster project HyNet North West, the energy giant wants to repurpose the fields, pipeline infrastructure, and Point of Ayr facility, to put CO2 under the seabed - with enough capacity to use the reservoirs for the next 25 years.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/energy-boss-how-firm-refill-21573018 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/energy-boss-how-firm-refill-21573018)
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area....Llandudno meeting
Post by: SteveH on September 20, 2021, 10:10:05 am
A TOWN hall discussion will be held in Llandudno over plans for a new windfarm off the coast of Conwy.

Residents will have the chance to hear from energy developer RWE, as well as a panel of leading officials and Janet Finch-Saunders, MS for Aberconwy, about its plans for the Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm.

Proposals include 91 new turbines, 332 metres in height, adjacent to the operational Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm, located 10.6km off the coast of North Wales.

A consultation is already underway for the project, which is still in the development and design stage.

The event will be held in the Assembly Room at Llandudno Town Hall.

Due to Covid-19 regulations, attendance is strictly capped at 100 people and will work on a first-come-first-served basis.

The event wakes place on Friday, October 22 at 6pm.

Residents can reserve their place by emailing janet.finch-saunders@senedd.wales
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on September 20, 2021, 02:35:15 pm
Second story today.........

High-tech underwater power plants are arriving off the North Wales coast
The renewable energy scheme will be in place off Anglesey

Swedish marine energy developer Minesto has announced a new range of power plants called the Dragon Class.
They are an upgraded design of the firm's Deep Green technology for predictable renewable electricity generation from tidal and ocean currents.

Featuring increased performance and decreased manufacturing costs, they will be delivered and installed in all of Minesto’s ongoing projects as well as in the build-out of the company’s first array projects.

This will include at Holyhead Deep off the west coast of Anglesey - the world’s first low-flow tidal stream project.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/high-tech-underwater-power-plants-21617182 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/high-tech-underwater-power-plants-21617182)
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on September 25, 2021, 10:33:05 am
AWEL y Mor Wind Farm project team is holding a series of online and outdoor information sessions.

The Awel y Môr offshore wind project consultation opened on August 31 and will run until October 11.

The project team is travelling across North Wales for nine days.

They started in Rhyl but next week, will head to Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Bangor and Beaumaris.

Experts will be on hand to give residents more information about the proposals.

The dates and locations are as follows:

Wednesday, September 29: Pensarn Beach car park (Morning only)
Wednesday, September 29: Colwyn Bay promenade (Afternoon only)
Thursday, September 30: Llanfairfechan promenade car park
Friday, October 1: Llandudno promenade (North Shore)
In addition to this, the project team is hosting a series of online information sessions where people can ask questions and find out more about the proposals.

cont  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19603602.awel-y-mor-wind-farm-project-team-holding-online-outdoor-information-sessions/?ref=rss&IYA-reg=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4 (https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19603602.awel-y-mor-wind-farm-project-team-holding-online-outdoor-information-sessions/?ref=rss&IYA-reg=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4)
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on October 08, 2021, 09:52:37 am
Plans for wind turbines "double the size" of the current crop have been opposed by Conwy County Council amidst fears for tourism and the landscape.

If the plans get the go-ahead, the proposed Awel Y Mor wind farm will stretch between Colwyn Bay and Llanfairfechan adjacent to the existing Gwynt y Mor site.

The wind farm would be around 10.5 km off the Great Orme.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wind-farm-plans-destroy-coastal-21795989?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wind-farm-plans-destroy-coastal-21795989?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4)
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on October 18, 2021, 02:38:54 pm
MORE than 1,200 people have given their views over plans to build a windfarm off the coast of Conwy.

The Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm consultation received a huge response from residents across North Wales over its plans for 51 to 107 turbines covering an area of 106km2 about 10.5km off the coast. The windfarm woudl stretch from Colwyn Bay to Conwy, to the west of the existing Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm.

Developer RWE held a series of face-to-face and online consultation events which ran for nine days. More than 900 people attended in-person sessions and around 300 formal survey and written responses were sent in.

cont  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19654663.1-200-views-given-windfarm-extension-off-conwy-coast/ (https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19654663.1-200-views-given-windfarm-extension-off-conwy-coast/)
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on November 03, 2021, 03:15:26 pm
The development of a tidal stream energy site off the west coast of Anglesey has received a major planning boost.

The £35m Morlais scheme would see a development covering up to 35sqkm of seabed to generate as much as 240MW of electricity (180,000 households) via the power of the tides in the Irish Sea.

It is expected to create over 100 jobs within a decade and additional roles in the supply chain.

Menter Môn, who are behind the project, secured permission from the Crown Estate to establish the “demonstration zone” while inviting bids from developers for a commercial lease.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/anglesey-tidal-energy-project-secures-22053721 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/anglesey-tidal-energy-project-secures-22053721)
Title: Re: Renwable energy
Post by: SteveH on November 09, 2021, 10:06:52 am
Rolls-Royce has been backed by a consortium of private investors and the UK government to develop small nuclear reactors to generate cleaner energy.

The creation of the Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor (SMR) business was announced following a £195m cash injection from private firms and a £210m grant from the government.

It is hoped the new company could create up to 40,000 jobs by 2050.

However, critics say the focus should be on renewable power, not new nuclear.

Currently, about 21% of UK electricity generation comes from nuclear power.

Small modular reactors are nuclear fission reactors but are smaller than conventional ones.

The investment by Rolls-Royce Group, BNF Resources, Exelon Generation and the government will go towards developing Rolls-Royce's SMR design and take it through regulatory processes to assess whether it is suitable to be deployed in the UK.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-59212983 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-59212983)
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on December 17, 2021, 10:00:55 am
Fears over the visual impact on the 'vista of the Queen of Welsh Resorts' has seen a massive offshore wind farm scaled back.

Key changes have been made to Awel y Môr, off Llandudno and Colwyn Bay, after a public consultation.

RWE Renewables is leading the development - a sister project to Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm, that would sit over 10km off the coastline.

It would lie to the west of Gwynt y Môr and at the start of the consultation there had been a proposed maximum of 91 turbines - which could potentially be 332 metres tall.

Following the exercise, RWE said it has carefully considered all feedback from stakeholders and members of the public and, as a result, amended key aspects of the project.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wind-farms-impact-vista-queen-22487831?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4#comments-wrapper (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wind-farms-impact-vista-queen-22487831?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4#comments-wrapper)
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on January 04, 2022, 09:18:41 am
A renewable energy project in Snowdonia has produced 20 million kWh of energy over eight years.

That's enough energy to power 5,300 homes for a year.

The National Trust-run project hopes the turbines will help it reach a carbon zero target by 2030.

General manager Trystan Edwards said when the project started in 2013 it was new so they relied on outside expertise to get started. It's now helping others develop their own hydro schemes.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-59857442 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-59857442)
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on January 25, 2022, 10:00:49 am
DENBIGHSHIRE County Council members are set convene tomorrow (January 25) to discuss a proposal for a tidal energy project off the North Wales coast.

North Wales Tidal Energy, based in the county, are behind the proposal for a £7billion scheme involving the construction of a 19-mile barrage and lagoon stretching from Prestatyn to Llandudno.

The motion is part of a renewable energy auction scheme by which the UK Government is investing £20million per year in Tidal Stream electricity across the UK.

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19870607.denbighshire-councillors-motion-north-wales-tidal-energy-project/?ref=rss&IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4 (https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19870607.denbighshire-councillors-motion-north-wales-tidal-energy-project/?ref=rss&IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4)
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: norman08 on January 25, 2022, 10:30:01 am
We had a meeting with our brilliant MP Robin Millar about 2 years ago a local councillor put his case to Millar about this tidal scheme, he presented his ideas really well,  the response of our MP was to he wasn't interested is an understatement" he just didn't want to know 😡
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on February 12, 2022, 10:13:41 am
Concerns have been raised about plans for a proposed wind farm substation in St Asaph.

RWE Renewables want to build 91 wind turbines off the coast between Llanfairfechan and Colwyn Bay, which will include online cables and a substation.

The new substation is proposed for land to the west of St Asaph Business Park.

The plans, though, are still at an early pre-application stage, and a full planning application is yet to be submitted to Denbighshire County Council.

But at a planning committee meeting this week, councillors voted in favour of granting planning officers delegated authority to represent the council in pre-application negotiations.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/fears-over-substation-wind-farm-23066695?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/fears-over-substation-wind-farm-23066695?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4)
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on February 24, 2022, 12:05:39 pm
£7 billion tidal lagoon scheme off North Wales coast gets backing of council
The project could create 5,000 jobs, Denbighshire council heard

“If this got off the ground, and this is not what this motion is about, it would be dealt with at a higher level. You are talking vast sums of money. The carrot dangler for Denbighshire and Conwy is the community development if it did happen as a project.”

He added: “I’ve seen the business case that would have to come from the private sector: 5,000 construction jobs, benefits to the tourist industry when it’s completed.

"Whether it happens in our lifetime, who knows? But at the end of the day, the Welsh Government are on the hook with it, so what I want is Denbighshire to put a marker in the sand that we are forward-thinking, and we want to be on the starting block and involved in the discussion if they progress.”

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/7-billion-tidal-lagoon-scheme-23198777 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/7-billion-tidal-lagoon-scheme-23198777)
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area....energy waste
Post by: SteveH on March 01, 2022, 09:46:07 am
Study finds seven in 10 commercial buildings in Conwy have poor energy performance

ROUGHLY two-thirds of commercial properties in Conwy have an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating below C, according to new research by real estate solutions platform Property Inspect.

The study analysed government data on the energy performance of commercial buildings and found that Conwy has the second-lowest percentage (67.42 per cent) of high-performing commercial properties.

Across the whole of the UK, only 39.23 per cent of commercial properties hold a high-performing A-C rating, while 12.94 per cent have a rating of F-G.

The 10 worst-performing locations for non-domestic properties were

1. Nottingham (32.52 per cent of non-domestic EPCs above C)
2. Conwy (32.58 per cent)
3. Leicester (33.11 per cent)
4. Dudley (33.21 per cent)
5. Sandwell (33.43 per cent)
6. Darlington (33.63 per cent)
7. Powys (33.68 per cent)
8. Ceredigion (33.84 per cent)
9. Kensington and Chelsea (33.87 per cent)
10. Torfaen (33.93 per cent)

Evidence suggests that 72 per cent of workers are concerned about the environmental ethics of their employer, and more employees believe company ethics, rather than home working options, to be the most important factor when looking for a job.

This highlights how valuable eco-positive initiatives, like improving energy performance, are to business leaders.

Warrick Swift, commercial director of Property Inspect, said: “Investors, employees and customers are considering the environmental impacts of the businesses they interact with so it’s important for business owners, new and old, to think seriously about how they operate and what they can do to improve.

“Energy performance is often a focus in residential development, but fewer discussions are raised about the current performance of our stock of commercial property.

“If the UK is to maintain its sustainability targets, businesses will need to do everything they can to get us there.”

The full results of the study and methodology can be found at: www.propertyinspect.com/uk/blog/sustainability-in-business-the-greenest-places-to-work-uk-us (http://www.propertyinspect.com/uk/blog/sustainability-in-business-the-greenest-places-to-work-uk-us).
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on March 08, 2022, 01:14:51 pm
A green energy tidal lagoon could become a step closer in Conwy and neighbouring Denbighshire thanks to millions of pounds invested in North Wales.

The £7 billion proposed tidal lagoon was back by Denbighshire County Council last month after a motion was put forward by councillors.

The motion followed a prompt by Welsh Government, encouraging local authorities to work with the private sector on sustainable energy.

The scheme could involve a 19-mile barrage with underwater turbines able to change the tide, creating around 5,000 construction jobs across Conwy and Denbighshire.

Both Conwy and Denbighshire county councils are now looking at ways in which such a scheme could be financed, together with private companies.

On Monday, Conwy’s finance and overview scrutiny committee met to discuss a quarterly update on the North Wales Growth Deal.

During the meeting, Cllr Nigel Smith asked if the deal could help facilitate the multi-billion-pound tidal lagoon.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-growth-deal-could-23316054 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-growth-deal-could-23316054)
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: BrianP on March 08, 2022, 09:12:46 pm
We have the tidal flow going through the Menai Staits. Surely someone could plan to generate power with an underwater turbine.
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on March 09, 2022, 01:56:23 pm
Plans for a £590million tidal lagoon in North Wales are forging ahead following two milestone developments.

Mostyn SeaPower Ltd, a subsidiary of the Port of Mostyn, revealed it is are now going out to tender for review of the initial design and costings for the scheme that would create 300 construction jobs and employ 35 people during its operational life of more than 100 years.

They have also embarked on a second year of ecological surveys of the priority species of fish, birds and mammals in the Dee Estuary.

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19979857.north-wales-tidal-energy-scheme-surges-ahead-big-milestones/ (https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19979857.north-wales-tidal-energy-scheme-surges-ahead-big-milestones/)
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on March 22, 2022, 09:56:20 am
A major tidal project off Anglesey will benefit from £31m of funding in what is likely to be the last large grant from the EU’s regional funding programme.

Climate Change Minister Julie James confirmed the funding would be given to Menter Môn for the Morlais infrastructure project.

The Morlais Infrastructure development aims to further the development of tidal power generation technologies by providing grid connectivity.

Climate Change Minister Julie James said: “We want to establish Wales as the location of choice for tidal stream developers and the supply chain.
https://www.wales247.co.uk/major-31m-tidal-project-planned-for-anglesey?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4 (https://www.wales247.co.uk/major-31m-tidal-project-planned-for-anglesey?IYA-mail=a05105fc-304d-4c50-9807-edab51f779a4)
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on April 04, 2022, 10:34:56 am
£7 billion tidal lagoon scheme off North Wales coast gets backing of council
The project could create 5,000 jobs, Denbighshire council heard

“If this got off the ground, and this is not what this motion is about, it would be dealt with at a higher level. You are talking vast sums of money. The carrot dangler for Denbighshire and Conwy is the community development if it did happen as a project.”

He added: “I’ve seen the business case that would have to come from the private sector: 5,000 construction jobs, benefits to the tourist industry when it’s completed.

"Whether it happens in our lifetime, who knows? But at the end of the day, the Welsh Government are on the hook with it, so what I want is Denbighshire to put a marker in the sand that we are forward-thinking, and we want to be on the starting block and involved in the discussion if they progress.”

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/7-billion-tidal-lagoon-scheme-23198777 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/7-billion-tidal-lagoon-scheme-23198777)

Today's story appears to be showing a photo quite different from the previous photo, ( on page 4 ) it looks like box like structures linked together, and nothing like the original model? 

Massive North Wales tidal lagoon project would bring 22,000 jobs, says developer as scale of scheme is revealed
Henry Dixon says the lagoon could generate enough power for every home in Wales.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/massive-north-wales-tidal-lagoon-23544863 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/massive-north-wales-tidal-lagoon-23544863)
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on April 05, 2022, 09:56:39 am
update and comments from the above story.............

Huge £7 billion tidal lagoon plan for North Wales divides opinion - here's what you had to say
Readers have debated the merits of the massive scheme

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/huge-7-billion-tidal-lagoon-23593551 (https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/huge-7-billion-tidal-lagoon-23593551)
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on May 25, 2022, 11:58:29 am
Further offshore windfarm proposal may affect North Wales land owners

BP AND EnBW have recently submitted their Environmental Impact Assessment scoping request to the Planning Inspectorate and Natural Resources Wales for the Mona Offshore Windfarm.

The proposed wind farm has a proposed capacity of 1.5 gigawatts, comprised of up to 107 individual turbines, and will be located approximately 15 miles off the North Wales coast.

This is positive news for the UK’s energy supply situation, but will cause concern for individual land and property owners potentially impacted by this additional scheme in an area already significantly affected by new infrastructure proposals.

As well as wind turbines off the coast, Mona will require new electricity cables and a substation for transportation of the power generated from the turbines into the existing onshore transmission network.

cont  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/20163968.offshore-windfarm-proposal-may-affect-north-wales-land-owners/ (https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/20163968.offshore-windfarm-proposal-may-affect-north-wales-land-owners/)
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on September 06, 2022, 01:05:05 pm
Chatting with my sister, over the weekend, who lives in Brittany, we moaned about wind turbines, and how both of us have to live with the spoilt view, but consoled ourselves with the green energy supplied  &shake&  later I heard on TV a snippet on how Global warming is affecting our wind power, a quick search found this.........

Through summer and early autumn 2021, Europe experienced a long period of dry conditions and low wind speeds. The beautifully bright and still weather may have been a welcome reason to hold off reaching for our winter coats, but the lack of wind can be a serious issue when we consider where our electricity might be coming from.

To meet climate mitigation targets, such as those to be discussed at the upcoming COP26 event in Glasgow, power systems are having to rapidly change from relying on fossil fuel generation to renewables such as wind, solar and hydropower. This change makes our energy systems increasingly sensitive to weather and climate variability and the possible effects of climate change.

That period of still weather badly affected wind generation. For instance, UK-based power company SSE stated that its renewable assets produced 32% less power than expected. Although this may appear initially alarming, given the UK government?s plans to become a world leader in wind energy, wind farm developers are aware these low wind ?events? are possible, and understanding their impact has become a hot topic in energy-meteorology research.

Read on  https://theconversation.com/what-europes-exceptionally-low-winds-mean-for-the-future-energy-grid-170135
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: Hugo on September 06, 2022, 01:27:33 pm
Just yesterday I was talking to someone about the wind farms and he wasn't a fan of them.      Whether what he told me is correct or not, I can't confirm it, but he said that the blades on the windmills have to be replaced at certain intervals.   When they are replaced they cannot be recycled but have to be disposed of as landfill.    If that is correct it makes a mockery of renewable energy.
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: Helig on September 07, 2022, 10:02:47 am
I am not a fan of windfarms either. They put turbines on the hills at the back of where I lived in Sanquhar. They applied for a small number which was obtained. They later applied to extend this and it will be a large number of them up there shortly. While I was there I saw just how much is involved in creating the windfarm. They have to build access roads on the hills to be able to construct the turbines. These remain in place after they have been built as it is necessary for them to have access. The turbines require a huge amount of concrete  to be put in place.

https://www.freeingenergy.com/math/wind-turbine-weight-pound-mwh-gwh-m148/

https://energyskeptic.com/2020/900-tons-of-material-to-build-just-1-windmill/

There are sites which state it takes 30,000 tons of cement for just one turbine.

Then they put a building up on a hill for the workers to have somewhere to eat and drink, plus rest while they are on site. The one built locally remained in place after the initial construction. This was because they knew they would build more later presumably.

Getting the bits of the turbines up there was a problem as they were so large they had to do it at night and close the main road. The noise was horrendous. I had no sleep for 3 weeks while they brought the blades etc along the road. That was just for one bit of it. They did a lot of damage, knocking over lamposts, damage to walls and an old building and burst the water main along the lane. The lorries were racing up a narrow country lane and this had to be widened to allow them to get up there.

What was a lovely outlook became an industrial site. Most of the local hills were covered in turbines eventually. It is a fact that the turbines need to have the blades replaced regularly as they are made of Chinese steel. This doesn't last very long and disintegrates.

I think one of the attractions of putting windfarms up is the amount of grants given to the landowner. In the case of Sanquhar, the local landowner is the Duke of Buccleuch. He could be seen racing up and down the lane in his Bentley. By all accounts he is doing very nicely from the windfarms on his land.
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: Ian on September 07, 2022, 12:41:04 pm
Just yesterday I was talking to someone about the wind farms and he wasn't a fan of them.      Whether what he told me is correct or not, I can't confirm it, but he said that the blades on the windmills have to be replaced at certain intervals.   When they are replaced they cannot be recycled but have to be disposed of as landfill.    If that is correct it makes a mockery of renewable energy.

It's not correct.  As this article (https://news.yahoo.com/fact-check-wind-turbine-blades-235853274.html) shows, they can be recycled, but it's not easy. 
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: norman08 on September 07, 2022, 01:14:34 pm
Hugo the Blades have a life span of at least 20 years. They can be recycled but not easy,  what I would say thank god for turbines as my lad as well as a load of other lads from this area are kept in jobs,  nothing else in this area for them job wise and they can afford to buy a house.
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: Hugo on September 07, 2022, 01:42:36 pm
They must be very well paid Norman if they can afford to buy a home in this area.    Even those so called affordable homes are out of the price range of most young locals
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on September 07, 2022, 02:38:37 pm
Wales can be 'leading offshore renewable power station in the UK' - with Anglesey leading the way
Report from Marine Energy Wales said there was ?ever increasing certainty? about the future of marine energy deployments in Welsh waters

More than ?600m is projected to be invested in the marine energy sector in Wales over the next five years according to a ?state of the sector? report. The report from Marine Energy Wales said there was ?ever increasing certainty? about the future of marine energy deployments in Welsh waters - from floating offshore wind to the Morlais tidal demonstration zone off the coast of Anglesey, which is now officially under construction.

The report shows that the sector - which currently employs around 420 full time workers in Wales - continues to grow, albeit with a slight slowdown in rate, but this is expected to pick up in the coming years.

It states: ?Beyond decarbonising our own energy supply, the greatest potential benefit of the marine energy sector lies in the expansion to the point where energy and expertise can be exported. Wales?s unique waters are blessed with abundant tidal stream, tidal range, wave, and deep-water wind resources. Wales has the capacity to become the leading offshore renewable power station in the UK.?

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wales-can-leading-offshore-renewable-24951342

PS Just remembered reading about courses at Llandrillo college on power engineering https://www.gllm.ac.uk/courses/power-engineering-wind-level-3
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on September 14, 2022, 10:21:04 am
In the above post I mentioned [reading about courses at Llandrillo college on power engineering] this mornings Pioneer has an interesting article explaining more on the subject...........

THE UK?s first wind turbine blade repair apprentice has begun his training at Wales' only turbine training centre, situated at Coleg Llandrillo?s Rhos-on-Sea campus.

Niall Mirza, 27, from Colwyn Bay (WTG Offshore) will spend the first of three years of his apprenticeship training at the college site, before cutting his teeth on offshore wind turbines - Wales? biggest renewable energy source - for the final two years.

Niall said: ?I am extremely excited to be the first person to study for this apprenticeship in the UK.
?It is amazing to be a part of an industry which is so important, especially at this moment in time.?

Niall was joined at the specialist renewable energy centre this week by eight new wind turbine (operational and maintenance) apprentices from RWE, bringing the overall total up to 31.

Following a collaborative initiative between Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and WTG Offshore in the past six months, the blade repair apprenticeship has become a reality, and will now run alongside the college group?s wind turbine technician apprenticeship.

Mike Hodgson, founder of WTG Offshore and chief executive of the USA branch, said: ?Niall will spend the next three years as an apprentice.

?Year One will be mainly classroom-based, where he will learn key fundamentals: from blade repair, through reporting, to health and safety.

?During his second and third years, he will move into the field, where he will put the information he has learnt in the classroom to practical use, carrying out repair assessments on various blades.?

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/21395967.colwyn-bay-man-uks-first-wind-turbine-blade-repair-apprentice-rhos-on-sea-campus/
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area...Public examination
Post by: SteveH on September 20, 2022, 10:16:41 am
THE public examination of the plans to build what will be the largest investment in renewable energy in Wales this decade is about to begin.

The dates for the examination of the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the Awel y M?r offshore wind farm, across the coast of Conwy, have been published by the UK Planning Inspectorate.

The first hearings are due to take place this week.

A preliminary meeting takes place at Venue Cymru in Llandudno today (September 20) to discuss procedural matters, with the first hearings following on the next two days.

The first of these two are to look at the draft DCO itself, which is the legal means by which projects of this scale are given the green light.

The second is to be an ?open floor hearing?, with registered interested parties invited to speak on any relevant topic of their choice.

A full timetable is also to be published setting out the dates of further hearings and deadlines for submission of written materials before the process draws to a close in March 2023.

RWE is driving the development of the largest offshore wind pipeline in the UK.

RWE has committed to investing ?50billion gross through to 2030 to expand its powerful and green generation capacity to 50 gigawatts, with about ?15 billion earmarked for the UK.

Read More  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/22312481.examination-plans-wales-largest-renewables-investment-decade-set-begin/?ref=rss&IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

A preliminary meeting takes place at Venue Cymru in Llandudno today (September 20) to discuss procedural matters, with the first hearings following on the next two days.

Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on September 24, 2022, 10:02:48 am
North Wales windfarm on UK Government's fast track list but Wylfa nuclear plant isn't
Uk Government has unveiled a Growth Plan with nearly 140 projects they want to accelerate

There is also a list of infrastructure projects which will be accelerated as rapidly as possible by the Government. These projects may benefit from acceleration through planning reform, regulatory reform, improved processes or other options to speed up their development and construction, including through development consent processes.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-windfarm-uk-governments-25089058
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on October 26, 2022, 10:21:10 am
Welsh Government in push for onshore wind farms as it sets up state-owned firm
It will create a renewable developer to tackle energy insecurity and the cost-of-living crisis

The Welsh Government will set up a state-owned energy developer - focused on building on-shore wind turbines. They said it was in response to energy insecurity, the cost-of-living crisis and the increasing threats posed by the climate and nature emergencies.

Minister for Climate Change, Julie James said energy profits created in Wales will deliver greater benefit for people in Wales.

Surplus funds generated through the new developer will go back into the public purse to be reinvested in improving energy efficiency in homes in Wales and creating good quality, home grown, clean energy jobs.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/welsh-government-push-onshore-wind-25354499
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on January 19, 2023, 10:36:05 am
Giant new wind farm off Welsh coast gets signed lease
The Crown Estate has signed agreements for lease for six off-shore wind projects    For one billion pounds see story below

The Crown Estate has signed agreements for lease for six off-shore wind projects, including a huge wind farm off the Welsh coast. The site off Wales, named Mona, has been secured by a partnership between BP and German energy firm EnBW. But put together, the sites have the potential to generate enough renewable electricity for more than seven million homes.

The lease agreements mean developers can now further progress their plans for projects which have the potential to make a major contribution to delivering sustainable, renewable energy for the UK, as well as the UK Government?s target of 50GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030,

Full Report  https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/giant-new-wind-farm-welsh-26015978?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589


King Charles has asked for a surge in profits from six new offshore wind farms on the Crown Estate, worth ?1bn, to be used for the "wider public good", rather than the Royal Family.

Funding for the running costs of the Royal Household is currently based on 25% of Crown Estate profits.

King Charles wants to reduce the royal slice of the expected higher earnings.

It would mean a higher proportion of these windfall profits being kept by the Treasury for public spending.

cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64319323


Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on January 25, 2023, 10:33:20 am
You would think we would get cheaper energy bills, as its on our doorstep, but no, we are charged higher than most other regions, it springs to mind, that we paid more for our Welsh water than Birmingham did?

Wales targets 100% of its electricity by renewable sources by 2035 - led by new wind farms
Tory MS Sam Rowlands says the Welsh Government must maximise the economic benefits in North Wales

There is also a target for at least 1.5 GigaWatt of renewable energy capacity to be locally owned by 2035, excluding heat pumps and for 5.5 GigaWatt of renewable energy capacity to be produced by heat pumps by 2035 - with UK Government support and improvements in tech.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wales-targets-100-electricity-renewable-26062715
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on May 08, 2023, 10:01:39 am
Offshore wind powering almost half of UK homes, says Crown Estate
The authority said 2022 was a record year for offshore wind in UK waters

Offshore wind farms in UK waters generated enough energy to power 41% of (11.5m) homes last year, The Crown Estate has said. Publishing its latest report, the authority, which is owned by the monarchy, said 2022 was a record year for UK offshore wind, generating 45TWh (terrawatt hour) of electricity last year, up from 37TWh in 2021 and a sixfold increase over the past 10 years.

The Crown Estate estimates this to rise to 47% of UK homes by the end of 2023. The new record was achieved despite 2022 wind speeds coming in lower than the long-term average.

The report also showed offshore wind providing 14% of total UK electricity generation (business and domestic), compared to 38% from gas. While the UK?s 2022 offshore wind output of 45TWh saved the equivalent of 17m tonnes of CO2 emissions.

cont https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/offshore-wind-powering-almost-half-26851157?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on June 21, 2023, 10:15:22 am
Plan for giant wind farm off North Wales sparks health and environmental fears
Up to 107 turbines are set to be built off the coast of Conwy

When asked by planning officers about his concerns, Cllr Lloyd said he wanted assurances about both human and animal health. Cllr Andrew Wood, however, raised the issue of beach erosion and said developers needed to be aware of drilling near the old landfill site at Llanddulas, which he claimed was already posing an environmental risk.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/plan-giant-wind-farm-north-27155353
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on July 09, 2023, 10:15:05 am
PROPOSALS for a wind farm to be installed in Conwy have been withdrawn by the applicant company.

Bute Energy?s project to construct turbines in Moelfre Uchaf faced opposition from some residents, who highlighted the negative impact it would have on the area.

It was feared the mega turbines would be a blight on the landscape, and at public meetings residents also raised concerns over noise, flooding and infrasound.

?The proposals for monstrous turbines of up to 250 metres in height would have been devastating for the area, ruining lives and livelihoods, and had a significant and detrimental impact on the North Wales landscape.

?Wind farms should only be constructed in places where they enjoy community support ? this location isn?t one of them.?  Ref pioneer
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on September 08, 2023, 09:55:38 am
Plans for Wales' first floating wind farm will be delayed by one year as UK government funding is too low, the firm behind the plans says.
Blue Gem Wind did not bid for a UK government contract, a decision which industry voices said was a "huge wake-up call" for Westminster.

It has been claimed that Erebus wind farm, which was due to be commissioned in 2026, could create 10,000 jobs.
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-66748924


No new offshore wind projects have been bought by developers at a key government auction, dealing a blow to the UK's renewable power strategy.
Results showed no bids for new offshore wind farms, but there were deals for solar, tidal and onshore wind projects.

Firms have argued the price set for electricity generated was too low to make offshore wind projects viable.

The government said a "global rise" in inflation impacting supply chains had "presented challenges for projects".
cont https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66749344
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on September 10, 2023, 10:00:17 am
Anglesey tidal scheme gets green light to produce electricity for National Grid
The renewable project has been hailed 'a significant step forward for tidal stream technology'

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/anglesey-tidal-scheme-gets-green-27677800?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589
Title: Re: Renwable energy in the area
Post by: SteveH on December 10, 2023, 10:46:47 am
Wind farm that could power half of all homes in Wales gets its final approval
Awel y M?r offshore wind farm, off the coast of Conwy county, has received its final marine licence

This follows them securing a development consent order from UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho, in September. It would be Wales? largest renewable energy investment this decade and be located alongside the operational 576 megawatt (MW) Gwynt y M?r offshore wind farm.

cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wind-farm-could-power-half-28251140?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589