Since our last batch of letters from neighbours were received about two months ago the Letters pages of The Buteman have been remarkably quiet on the subject of onshore wind energy generation.
Whether local opponents of renewable energy are keeping their powder dry – or whether we have been keeping our own powder dry – is, one might suppose, a moot point.
However, we’re expecting all that to change shortly! The planning application for 3 wind turbines and ancillary equipment at Ascog Farm, Isle of Bute has now been lodged.
Once Argyll & Bute Council have validated everything these pages will include links to the Council’s planning portal together with links to all of the documents which accompany the planning application.
A big ‘Thank You’ goes out to everyone at the Scottish Agricultural College, Community Energy Scotland, Towards Zero Carbon Bute and all those others who have contributed to the production of the Environmental Impact and Planning assessments.
Whilst the detailed studies and the compilation of the various reports have taken some time it is worth pausing to consider the potential for renewables at Ascog Farm set against the wider backdrop of national and global events.
With all the news that has come in over the past couple of months has there ever been a more apposite time to consider the role of renewables in modern energy production systems?
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06.09.2012 – Arctic sea-ice is thinning alarmingly
Scientists warn that we may be ‘heading for oblivion’ as Arctic sea-ice melting is ‘like adding 20 years of CO2 emissions’.
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09.09.2012 – The poor summer has ‘cost rural Britain £1bn’
Weather isn’t climate but if we continue with these poor Summers the outlook for farming and rural communities is not great.
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13.09.2012 – The independent Climate Change Committee warns that a ‘UK dash for gas would be illegal’
It is reported that a letter from the climate change committee slams government over comments suggesting unabated gas can play a role in the energy mix after 2030.
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28.09.2012 – Hunterston plans under fire from Bute councillor
Everyone thought our ageing nuclear plant was nearing the end of its design life. Apparently not!
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30.09.2012 – Climate change ‘may shrink fish’
Our aquatic friends – a major source of protein for many people around the world – do not respond well to warming waters.
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02.10.2012 – ‘Hundreds of problems’ at EU nuclear plants
Hundreds of problems have been found at European nuclear plants that would cost up to 25bn euros (£20bn) to fix, says a leaked draft report.
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05.10.2012 – Power shortage risks by 2015, Ofgem warns
Britain risks running out of energy generating capacity in the winter of 2015-16, according to the energy regulator Ofgem.
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08.10.2012 – Cumbria’s nuclear waste disposal dilemma is prolonged
Cumbrian politicians face a difficult decision about whether to play host to the UK’s high-level nuclear dump for the next few thousand years.
Vive la révolution! Preferably at wind speeds in excess of 7m/s!