6 Dec 2024
The largest independent Scottish renewables developer, Muirhall Energy – who has an application with the Energy Consents Unit for a massive wind farm of 53 turbines (Teviot Wind Farm) – has accused the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of blocking the progress of wind farm developments in the Scottish Borders.
The reason? A number of wind farm projects which have been submitted for planning permission are sited within 50km of Eskdalemuir Seismological Array (ESA), a monitoring station which is one of the UK’s primary assets for tracking underground nuclear tests and earthquakes worldwide.
The array's operation can be compromised by excessive seismic noise in the vicinity, which is proven to be produced by wind turbines operating within a 50km zone. This means that certain projects which could compromise the effective operation of the monitoring array have been objected by the MoD due to their potential risk to national security.
A Scottish Government consultation is underway, known as the Eskdalemuir Working Group, to explore whether or not the extent of the safeguarding zone for the ESA may be reduced, a decision that rests on complex science and technology.
Developers had hoped that progress, or even a resolution, on the ESA issue would have been made by now, and therefore ease the backlog that currently exists or at least provide a clearer framework. However, no update on the matter has been agreed.
In the Borders we have seen this issue debated during the pre-inquiry meeting for Greystone Knowe Wind Farm which took place in October.
Another reason the MoD has rejected to wind farms in the area concerns low flying zones. In the case of Lees Hill Renewable Energy Park in Berwickshire, the MoD raised an objection because the site falls within a designated low flying zone – a tactical low-level training area where fixed wing aircrafts may operate as low as 250 feet (76.2 metres) above ground level. In addition, the turbines would be located approximately 35 miles from, be detectable by, and cause unacceptable interference with the Air Defence radar at Remote Radar Head Brizlee Wood.
Whether it’s air defence, radar or seismic noise interference, there are various reasons why the MoD may object to a wind farm project.
It begs the question – what really is more important here, national defence and security interests, or the continual proliferation of wind energy?
The real problem is not the MoD, rather it is the sheer volume of projects being put forward by developers with no spatial or grid connection strategy, and no authority providing proper oversight.