Minister fascinated in visit to turbines
WELSH Environment Minister John Griffiths has been on a wind farm walk in Scotland.
He visited a site near Glasgow which will have 215 turbines when completed.
"It was very interesting to visit Whitelee wind farm and see for myself the amount of green, clean electricity that is being generated there," he said.
"It was also fascinating to see what an asset the wind farm is to the local community, particularly as it includes a visitor centre, which last year attracted 100,000 additional visitors to the site, as well as 70km of trails. Economically the site is a major asset to the area."
Mr Griffiths was also keen to learn more about how the planning and energy consent system worked in Scotland, with a view to encouraging and accelerating renewable energy projects in Wales.
"At a time when traditional energy supplies are diminishing, renewable energy offers a clean and sustainable means of keeping the lights on.
"It also offers huge economic opportunities," he said.
3 Comments
by toptexter
Monday, February 13 2012, 1:32PM
“eh? what the???.....??? whitelee is in the middle of nowhere. glasgow is around 40 miles away”
by huwwuh
Monday, February 13 2012, 11:30AM
“Windfarms form part of future development for generating eletricity. They may not pay in the short term, but I'm sure the technology won't be wasted.
I was fishing Brenig in North Wales a few years ago and there loads of turbines, but I was concentrating on fishing. I also do a lot of hill walking throughout the UK and see lots of wind farms at a distance. I must be honest and say they do not interfere with the enjoyment of the great outdoors.”
by norfolkboy14
Monday, February 13 2012, 8:07AM
“We need to get the Government onside, as well as local councils and others, if we are going to stop these wind turbines being built.
Are you disillusioned by rising electricity prices, over dependence on the "green" dream [especially uneconomical and inefficient wind farms] and the destruction of our countryside then please register your objection to the Government by GOOGLING "E-PETITION 22958" and following the link.
Please pass this message on to Councillors, members of your community and anyone else you know to persuade them to sign up too. If you are really concerned about wind turbines please write a letter promoting this petition to your community newsletters and the Editors of your local newspapers.”