UK - ScottishPower Renewables and Eurus Energy facing opposition in Wales

Opposition is growing against plans to turn one of the largest wind farms in the UK into one of the tallest.

ScottishPower Renewables and Eurus Energy want to treble the output of “clean, green energy” at Llandinam in Mid Wales and to replace 103 45-metre (149ft) tall turbines with 42, 122-metre (400ft) machines.

When it was opened in 1992, Llandinam was one of the largest wind farms in Europe.

The companies said the “newly repowered wind farm” would produce enough energy to power more than 53,000 households.

But objectors claim the new turbines could have an additional detrimental visual impact on the rolling landscape of Mid Wales, which they feel has had more than its fair share of turbines dotted on the horizon. Currently, there are 26 wind farms in Wales, with 482 on-shore turbines and 30 off-shore.

But a Wind Power: 20 Myths Blown Away document launched by Friends of the Earth Cymru on Saturday morning claimed that such opposition to wind energy was largely based on myths.

Friends of the Earth Cymru director Gordon James said: “We have to break free from our dependence on oil, coal and gas to meet our energy needs.

“It’s the emissions from these fuels that are the main cause of climate change. Wind energy is one of the cleanest, safest and most cost-effective forms of energy available.

“The fuel is free and will never run out, and there is no waste product or pollution produced.

“It is technologically the most advanced of the renewable energy options available and can deliver much-needed cuts in carbon dioxide emissions now.

“Even though wind power has much to offer, a vocal minority raise all sorts of objections against it.

“A closer look at these objections shows they have little merit.”