Blyth pier turbines are country's least efficient

Posted by The Journal on Mar 23, 10 08:46 AM in News

Wind turbines on the Northumberland coast are the least efficient in the country, according to a study.

Figures released on behalf of energy regulator Ofgem show the nine turbines at Blyth pier produce just 7.9% of their maximum capacity, the lowest percentage of any operational wind farm in Britain.

Wind turbines on Blyth pier

The 42.5m turbines were erected on the town's East Pier in 1993, by Hainsford Energy (Blyth Harbour) Ltd. Les Paton, chairman of the Cambois community association, who has previously spoken in support of the turbines at Blyth was last night surprised by the findings and said the engines seem to be turning most times he passes them.

But he agreed the machines are "a waste of time" if the figures are accurate.

Mr Paton said: "If they were going to generate enough electricity and make it worthwhile, I would welcome them.

"If they are the least productive in the country it is not very good.

"I am not opposed to wind turbines in any way as long as they are going to produce some good electricity.

"If they are not going to produce anything substantial, they are a waste of time."

In August 2007 plans were unveiled to replace the turbines with six new 125m engines, and one measuring 163m - among the biggest in Britain, along the East Pier and at nearby Battleship Wharf, next to the River Blyth.

The plans were passed in principle by Wansbeck Council in 2008 although final approval was delayed because of an objection from Newcastle International Airport.

Airport officials called for the council's decision to be called in by the Government and a public inquiry held, although communities Secretary Hazel Blears decided not to intervene.

In November 2008, fire damaged the electric cabling to two of the turbines leaving them temporarily out of action.

A spokesman for Hainsford said: "The age and condition of the turbines now means they are due for replacement and Hainsford Energy have been pursuing a re-powering of the site since 2004.

"The complexities of the planning process have meant that this has been delayed but we expect to build the first phase of the development which will include the tallest turbine in the UK by the end of 2010."

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1 Comments

Don Brownlow said:

I am surprised that Mr Paton and others are not aware that turbine array output figures are recorded by Ofgem.

This data is published in easily accessible form by the Renewable Energy Foundation (www.renewable-energy-foundation.org.uk).

We also attach this data to file entries on the Windbyte website (www.windbyte.co.uk/), which maps wind arrays in the North East and south east Scotland.

March 23, 2010 1:44 PM