Aquatic 'wind farms' in Scotland
September 29th 2008 01:14
:
29 Sept 08
As questions continued to be raised over the cost/benefit of wind farms to the environment and biodiversity worldwide, energy giants in Scotland announce plans to take their 'wind' energy underwater.
Scottish Power has announced plans to build up to 40 turbines in waters surrounding Ireland and Scotland.
Standing 30m tall, and potentially operating as deep as 100m, the turbines will have blades 20m long.
Apparently, tests in Norway have indicated that the blades will move slowly enough for marine life to avoid them....
While i endeavour to remain impartial in reporting science and environment news, i have to say i am slightly sceptical of this claim. With reports that millions of birds get killed by wind turbines each year worldwide, that bat get the bends from a change in air pressure near wind turbine blades (leading to death) and that the noise of turbines can influence communication in some species - i can't quite see how a quick trial in Norway will have anticipated all of the potential outcomes to marine life.
One positive thing, however, is that zones which contain turbines would be off limits to trawlers!
A prototype - worth about 6 million POUNDS, will be located off Orkney for a year prior to the deployment of the other units.
Scottish Power has announced plans to build up to 40 turbines in waters surrounding Ireland and Scotland.
Standing 30m tall, and potentially operating as deep as 100m, the turbines will have blades 20m long.
Apparently, tests in Norway have indicated that the blades will move slowly enough for marine life to avoid them....
While i endeavour to remain impartial in reporting science and environment news, i have to say i am slightly sceptical of this claim. With reports that millions of birds get killed by wind turbines each year worldwide, that bat get the bends from a change in air pressure near wind turbine blades (leading to death) and that the noise of turbines can influence communication in some species - i can't quite see how a quick trial in Norway will have anticipated all of the potential outcomes to marine life.
One positive thing, however, is that zones which contain turbines would be off limits to trawlers!
A prototype - worth about 6 million POUNDS, will be located off Orkney for a year prior to the deployment of the other units.
Can underwater 'wind' farms solve the energy crisis?
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Comment by Louie
Climate Red
randomthoughts
Phil's Wellness Tips
If this is the case then i am all for it, here's hoping they can get them down there without too much damage.....