A wind farm visit

Novera Energy have organized at the 14th Mai a visit to a working wind farm for interested people.

We visited the Walkway wind farm new Sedgefield. This wind farm is operated by EdF, has 7 turbines of 100m tip height (REpower MM82 similar to the turbines planned for the Todd Hill Windfarm)

Below the programme of the day:

  • 09.30 Meet at Queen’s Head Hotel, Morpeth, for tea/coffee/pastries
  • 09.45 Welcome & introductions
  • 10.00 Minibus leave for the tour
  • 10.40 Arrive to Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, presentation followed by buffet Lunch
  • 13.00 Wind farm tour
  • 14.30 End of tour; minibuses back to Morpeth
  • 15.30 Arrive back at Morpeth

The atmosphere of the visit was friendly and informative. Unfortunately it was quite windy, so it was difficult to hear the noise of the wind farm over the background noise (more about this below).

Disappointing for me was the number of participants. Novera had invited 24 persons, of which only 7 attended. I have asked Novera if they would be preared to organize further visits to a wind farm. They are happy to do so if there should be enough interest. So, if you are interested to see a wind farm by yourself contact either Novera, or drop me a line, I will forward it...

Here some pictures of the visit and some subjective impessions:
800m from the closest turbine. I coudn't hear any turbine noise, just the noise from the busy A road behind us

~250m from the closest turbine. I was still able to hear the road quite well over the background noise and could just hear some sound of the wind turbines

Todd Hill will have 4 turbines of a similar size and layout?

Just under a turbine it was possible to hold a conversation without raising your voice!
Although I have to admit that the repetitive sound of the turbine blades was disturbing me after a while.

While I don't know if this visit has changed the attitude towards wind farms of anybody attending.

For me this visit gave some reassurance about the noise implications and the feeling that I know a bit more about what I am talking. Alltogether a day well spent.