Why do anything?

By reducing our use of coal, oil and gas, we are making a valuable contribution to combating climate change. We are also reducing the UK’s dependence on importing fossil fuels which can help reduce its vulnerability in terms of security and price increases in foreign markets. The UK has 40% of the European wind resource which puts us in a very strong position.

Can farming continue on site?
Yes, normal agricultural activities can continue in between and right up to the turbine bases. Wind farms allow farmers to diversify and provide them with a much-needed additional source of income.

Aren’t they noisy?
If you stand at the base of a modern wind turbine, you can hold a normal conversation without difficulty. Noise levels are strictly regulated. Before planning permission can be granted for a wind farm, we have to show that it will adhere to the strict noise guidelines.

Why not put them offshore?
Government policy is clear that both offshore and onshore wind farms are needed in order to achieve the UK’s renewable energy objectives. RWE npower renewables have developed a number of operational offshore sites but the economics of the larger, more distant sites are still proving prohibitive.

So why don’t we just save energy instead?
To tackle climate change, we need to both reduce our use of electricity and generate more of the electricity we need in a clean and sustainable way. For more information, see www.energysavingtrust.co.uk.