Menu
16/07/2003
Offshore wind farms could threaten future of fishing industry
The livelihoods of hundreds of Britain's fishermen could be put at risk by the Government's plans to build offshore wind farms, it has been claimed.
Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt announced on Monday that the Government would be issuing licences for large areas of offshore seabed for the purposes of establishing wind farms, with the aim of harnessing wind power to produce 5% of the UK's energy requirements.
However, the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations (NFFO) has hit back at the move, claiming that the turbines would prove disruptive to breeding patterns of fish, as well as adding hours onto fishing journeys, posing a serious threat to the economic future of Britain's fishing industry. The organisation estimated that those likely to be hardest hit by the development would be those operating from smaller boats, many of whom could be put out of business by wind farms.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has also voiced concerns about the possible environmental impact of offshore wind farms, which have been welcomed by many environmental organisations as providing a "clean, green" form of power.
(CL)
Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt announced on Monday that the Government would be issuing licences for large areas of offshore seabed for the purposes of establishing wind farms, with the aim of harnessing wind power to produce 5% of the UK's energy requirements.
However, the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations (NFFO) has hit back at the move, claiming that the turbines would prove disruptive to breeding patterns of fish, as well as adding hours onto fishing journeys, posing a serious threat to the economic future of Britain's fishing industry. The organisation estimated that those likely to be hardest hit by the development would be those operating from smaller boats, many of whom could be put out of business by wind farms.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has also voiced concerns about the possible environmental impact of offshore wind farms, which have been welcomed by many environmental organisations as providing a "clean, green" form of power.
(CL)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 July 2009
Extra £1bn Pledged For Wind Farm Programme
Three UK-based banks start work today with the European Investment Bank (EIB) on a programme to lend up to £1 billion to onshore wind farms over the next three years.
Extra £1bn Pledged For Wind Farm Programme
Three UK-based banks start work today with the European Investment Bank (EIB) on a programme to lend up to £1 billion to onshore wind farms over the next three years.
18 December 2003
UK announces 'largest ever' green energy strategy
The largest ever expansion of renewable energy "anywhere in the world" has been announced today which aims to power more than one-in-six British households by 2010. The 15 new offshore wind farm sites will produce enough electricity for four million homes, the government said.
UK announces 'largest ever' green energy strategy
The largest ever expansion of renewable energy "anywhere in the world" has been announced today which aims to power more than one-in-six British households by 2010. The 15 new offshore wind farm sites will produce enough electricity for four million homes, the government said.
14 October 2008
Wind Farms Should Be Built Closer To Land, Study Urges
The UK Government must be allowed to build wind farms closer to the shore if project developers are to meet renewable energy targets, a new study has urged.
Wind Farms Should Be Built Closer To Land, Study Urges
The UK Government must be allowed to build wind farms closer to the shore if project developers are to meet renewable energy targets, a new study has urged.
21 October 2008
UK Is World Leader In Offshore Wind
The UK has overtaken Denmark to become the world's number one for wind farms built offshore, with 597MW fully constructed. The achievement has been made possible after building work finished at Centrica's Lynn and Inner Dowsing wind farms near Skegness. Offshore wind farms now have the potential to power the equivalent of around 300,000 UK homes.
UK Is World Leader In Offshore Wind
The UK has overtaken Denmark to become the world's number one for wind farms built offshore, with 597MW fully constructed. The achievement has been made possible after building work finished at Centrica's Lynn and Inner Dowsing wind farms near Skegness. Offshore wind farms now have the potential to power the equivalent of around 300,000 UK homes.
23 September 2010
World's Largest Wind Farm Officially Opens
The world's largest offshore wind farm in Thanet, Kent, has been officially opened today. Swedish energy firm Vattenfall, who built the wind farm, launched a new 100 turbine 300 MW offshore wind farm off the south east coast of England which produces enough energy to power more than 200,000 homes.
World's Largest Wind Farm Officially Opens
The world's largest offshore wind farm in Thanet, Kent, has been officially opened today. Swedish energy firm Vattenfall, who built the wind farm, launched a new 100 turbine 300 MW offshore wind farm off the south east coast of England which produces enough energy to power more than 200,000 homes.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:All parts will have a dry day. A lot of cloud expected through the day. A little brightness breaking through at times along the coast. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:This evening will be dry. The rest of the night will remain dry with variable amounts of cloud and some clear periods. Light southwesterly winds. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
