Why do we need an onshore wind farm?

What permission is required?

What do the plans involve?

Will this impact the environment?

Will my views be taken into account?

Who is Enertrag UK?

How do I find out more?

Q.. Why do we need an onshore wind farm?
A.. Under the Kyoto agreement the UK is committed to producing 15% of its energy by renewable means by the year 2015. Some of the 15% will come from the offshore wind farms currently being developed. However, the costs attached to developing offshore are comparatively much higher and the electricity cost to you, the consumer, does not reflect the investment being made by the developer. Therefore to meet the 15% commitment many onshore wind farms will be developed over the next few years.

Q.. What permission is required?
A.. Enertrag will be seeking planning permission from the local authority under normal council planning rules.


Q.. What do the plans involve?
A.. Enertrag is negotiating with the landowners for sufficient land to accommodate 6 to 8 wind turbines at each location. Although each turbine takes up very little land, a distance of 5-7 blade diameters is needed between each turbine to avoid losses due to wind turbulence, so a wind farm may cover an area of 150 to 200 acres. The wind farm will connect to the national grid by buried cables, there will be no overhead power lines.


Q.. Will this impact the environment?
A.. The local council has been asked to respond to an environment scoping report. From this response, Enertrag UK will employ an independent company to assess the effects of the development. Key areas of study will be wildlife, including birds, noise, visual effect and transport during the construction phase.


Q.. Will my views be taken into account?
A.. Yes, feedback received during the public consultation will be incorporated into the environmental assessment. This will be publicly available once completed.


Q.. Who is Enertrag UK?
A.. Enertrag UK is a British company set up in 2001 to develop and manage wind projects in the UK. The German parent company has over 15 years experience in renewable energy projects with over 180 wind turbines and 2 biomass plants in its portfolio. Enertrag UK are involved in projects for both onshore and offshore wind farms. As a partner in Norfolk Offshore Wind with EDF Energy, we have been granted the consents and licence to build 100MW offshore wind farm 10km off Cromer.


Q.. How do I find out more?
A.. Local exhibitions will be held where staff will be on hand to answer any questions that arise.