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Why is the

development of 

wind energy

controversial in

the UK?

Rebecca Folorunso 10XR

Introduction

My investigation is set in the United

Kingdom. The people in the UK use large

amount of energy every day. Much of this

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energy comes from burning fossil fuels. Methods such as this

are unsustainable as one day fossil fuels would run out. It is has

a negative effect on the environment producing gases such as

CO2 and contributing to global warming. An alternative form of 

energy such as wind energy is a way of having minimum effect

on the environment.

 This is a map of the wind

farms operational and under

construction in the UK. Wind

turbines are increasingly

being used as an alternative

to other methods. Although it

is sustainable, there are

many controversial views to

this subject.

This map shows the amount of gas

and energy consumption of BritishGas customers. This is the statics of 

one company. Much more gas is used

around the UK through other energy

competitors.

 This is a graph showing the

population of the UK from 1999 to

2004. As you can see, the population

is increasing steadily. The UK inhibits

about 61 million people and usesabout 3,195 kg of oil equivalent per

capita. The UK source so is running

out of other sources and need to find

a way of using renewable sources and

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Investigation question

My investigation studies why the development of wind energy

is controversial in the UK. Wind energy is the use of wind

turbines which converts kinetic energy from the wind intomechanical energy.

 The aim of my study is to research into the advantages and

disadvantages of wind energy, and to be able to make a

conclusion which would be sustainable. The use of wind energy

would have a positive impact on the environment and the local

people as air pollution would be reduced, contributing to less

breathing problems. It would also give the UK a good reputation

and be perceived by other countries as being sustainable. In

contrast, with energy can have a negative impact on those who

live locally to the turbines and by be costly for the county.

As part of the EU the UK must

reduce gas emissions by 20%

by 2020. This means 20% of 

energy must be gained from

renewable sources. One of 

the suggested methods of 

energy is wind turbines. The

governments must this

method to reduce emissions

and keep carbon levels down

to have minimum effect on

the environment.

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Advantages

Another advantage of wind farms is that it may increasetourism.

Many tourists do not see wind turbines as an eyesore, butinstead they believe it is an attraction. Many questionnairesand interviews have taken place and the results prove thatmany tourists do not seem to be put off turbines and it willencourage them to visit a particular area again. This may bringin money for the community with frequent tourists. Also ownerscan charge visitors to have a tour of a wind farm which isanother source of income.

In a wind turbine, the wind causes the

blades to rotate. The shaft then turnsthe generator to produce electrical

energy. A transformer converts it to

high- voltage and then electricity is

transmitted via power grid. This is an

advantage on the environment as the

wind is free modern technology

captures it efficiently. Also once the

wind turbine is built the energy it

produces does not cause greenhouse

gases or other pollutants so is it goodfor the environment and the

population’s health.

This map shows the offshore wind farm zones. Wind farms

can be built away of the densest areas of the UK to avoid

noise and eyesore to the majority of the population. There

are currently 12 off shore wind farms in the UK and more

to be constructed. Many turbines can be planted as though be very tall each takes up relatively small plot of land. This

means that the land below can still be used. This is

especially the case in agricultural areas as farming can still

continue.

Survey dispels myth that tourists are put off bywind farms

Nine out of ten tourists visiting some of Scotland's topbeauty spots say the presence of wind farms makes nodifference to the enjoyment of their holiday, and twice asmany people would return to an area because of thepresence of a wind farm than would stay away, according

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.

Case study Thanet Kent

This is a map showing the location of 

Thanet, Kent. It has the biggest offshorewind farm and was opened in June.

This is a picture of the wind turbines used on the windfarm. Swedish energy giant Vattenfall said the 100

turbines are expected to generate enough electricity

to power 200,000 homes. It takes up about 35 square

kilometres.

 This is article taken from the websitehttp://www.bwea.com/media/news/tourism.html. It was created on Monday 28October 2002 in Scotland, and was collected on the 23 June 2011. The articleanalyses the effect of wind turbines on tourism. The evidence was collectedon a relatively large scale, and by government officials making it reliable. Theevidence showed that 91% said the presence of wind farms in the area madeno difference to whether they would return, dismissing the idea that windfarms and tourism cannot work together. About 1 in 5 had actually seen one

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 This wind farm is an example of how wind farms can be use

efficiently to provide for the nation without being unsustainable

or posing possible danger to the community e.g. Air pollution

Disadvantage

Noise Pollution

 The most noticeable impact a wind turbine places uponthe environment is noise pollution. Many people thinkwind turbines are a great idea, yet a large proportion of these people would oppose a wind farm developmentclose to their home. Noise pollution is said to be one of the

biggest disadvantages of a wind turbine.

 This is a graph showingthe background noise of a wind turbine .Thegraph shows that as

background noise growssteadily the wind speedalso increases. At 50mph, the backgroundnoise reaches as high as80 decibels which is inthe “very loud”category. Many people

compare the soundoutput of a wind turbineto a small jet engine.

 The level of noise canalso be affected by thesize of the blades.

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.

 Though Wind turbines can increase tourism, the impactof noise pollution has the potential to lower propertyvalues within a varying radius of the construction.

Visual Impact

Another disadvantage regarding a wind turbine and its impacton the surrounding environment can be expressed with theterm "visual impact" or "visual pollution". Some people believewind turbines actually look quite nice, yet many people

disagree. You may enjoy the visual impact of turbines, but this

 This graph shows the proportion of people who

believe wind farms have a positive or negativeeffect on property value. Questionnaire andsurvey were given out across the UK. Resultsshowed more than half (60%) of thosesurveyors involved in residential propertytransaction, affected by a wind farmdevelopment (i.e where a wind farm is visiblefrom the property), reported that values were

lower than for comparable properties whichwere unaffected

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does not stop the majority of people seeing turbines as a scareon the landscape.

Questionnaire responses

revealed that although 62% of people felt that Cambridgeshire was suitable for on-shore wind

generation, 43% of people thought that wind farms were unattractive. A public exhibition

was also held, with around 100 people attending.

Questionnaire responses revealed that although 62% of people felt that Cambridgeshire was

suitable for on-shore wind generation, 43% of people thought that wind farms were

unattractive. A public exhibition was also held, with around 100 people attending.

Fenland District Council’s

Wildlife Impact

 The third and final most significant impact of a wind turbine onthe surrounding environment is mainly argued by wildlifegroups.

In some areas of wind farm developments, birds have beenfound dead around the base of turbines.

 The force of the blades high up in the air may not seempowerful to you, yet they are more than capable of harmingwildlife.

Also tied in with this matter is the construction of wind turbines.As with many other developments, wind turbines need deepfoundations, and this has the potential to destroy undergroundhabitats, and disturb surrounding ones.

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