UK: Atlantic Array Faces Further Opposition

RWE’s Atlantic Array offshore wind farm raises further concerns and disapproval from residents in Devon and Lundy and environmental and heritage groups, The Telegraph writes.

Those opposing the offshore wind project say that it will cause permanent damage primarily to tourism and, through that, to the local economy, because of its scale that would ruin the landscape. The National Trust said that the Atlantic Array would “fundamentally change” views from North Devon and Lundy.

Even though RWE has reduced the size of the offshore wind farm, opponents claim that it is still an oversized infrastructure to be put close to touristic spots. The wind farm would be located around 16.5km from the closest point to shore on the North Devon coast, 22.5km from the closest point to shore on the South Wales coast and 13.5km from Lundy Island.

“It is an inappropriate place to put anything of that scale. Opposition is growing at a considerable pace now – we have thousands of people signed up to the campaign and we expect that to treble,” Steve Crowther, of the Slay the Array campaign group, is quoted by The Telegraph as saying.

On the other hand, RWE says that it revised the plan in May 2012, and in March 2013. The company further revised the wind farm boundary and maximum number of turbines to take into account consultation and engineering assessment results. Also, the company says that the project will be a big boost for the British economy and will create thousands of jobs, while helping the country in meeting its renewable energy target.

[mappress]

Offshore WIND Staff, August 19, 2013; Image: RWE