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

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 British Gas 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 uses about 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 to efficiently supply energy to the

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

Advantages

In a wind turbine, the wind causes the blades to rotate. The shaft then turns the 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 This map shows the offshoretechnology wind is free modern wind farm zones. Wind farms can be built away of the densest areas of the UK to avoid captures it efficiently. Also once the noisewind turbine is built the energy it and eyesore to the majority of the population. There are currently 12 off shore wind farms in the UK and more produces does not cause greenhouse to be gases or other pollutantscan be planted as though constructed. Many turbines so is it good be very tall each takes up relatively small plot of land. This for the environment and the means that the land below can still be used. This is populations health.

especially the case in agricultural areas as farming can still continue.

Another advantage of wind farms is that it may increase tourism.

Survey dispels myth that tourists are put off by wind farms
Nine out of ten tourists visiting some of Scotland's top beauty spots say the presence of wind farms makes no difference to the enjoyment of their holiday, and twice as many people would return to an area because of the presence of a wind farm than would stay away, according

Many tourists do not see wind turbines as an eyesore, but instead they believe it is an attraction. Many questionnaires and interviews have taken place and the results prove that many tourists do not seem to be put off turbines and it will encourage them to visit a particular area again. This may bring in money for the community with frequent tourists. Also owners can charge visitors to have a tour of a wind farm which is another source of income.

. This is article taken from the website http://www.bwea.com/media/news/tourism.html. It was created on Monday 28 October 2002 in Scotland, and was collected on the 23 June 2011. The article analyses the effect of wind turbines on tourism. The evidence was collected on a relatively large scale, and by government officials making it reliable. The evidence showed that 91% said the presence of wind farms in the area made no difference to whether they would return, dismissing the idea that wind farms and tourism cannot work together. About 1 in 5 had actually seen one of the three wind farms in Argyll and when asked what effect if any they had Case study Thanet Kent

This is a map showing the location of Thanet, Kent. It has the biggest offshore wind farm and was opened in June.

This is a picture of the wind turbines used on the wind farm. 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 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 upon the environment is noise pollution. Many people think wind turbines are a great idea, yet a large proportion of these people would oppose a wind farm development close to their home. Noise pollution is said to be one of the
biggest disadvantages of a wind turbine.

This is a graph showing the background noise of a wind turbine .The graph shows that as background noise grows steadily the wind speed also increases. At 50 mph, the background noise reaches as high as 80 decibels which is in the very loud category. Many people compare the sound output of a wind turbine to a small jet engine. The level of noise can also be affected by the size of the blades.

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

This graph shows the proportion of people who believe wind farms have a positive or negative effect on property value. Questionnaire and survey were given out across the UK. Results showed more than half (60%) of those surveyors involved in residential property transaction, affected by a wind farm development (i.e where a wind farm is visible from the property), reported that values were lower than for comparable properties which were unaffected
Visual Impact Another disadvantage regarding a wind turbine and its impact on the surrounding environment can be expressed with the term "visual impact" or "visual pollution". Some people believe wind turbines actually look quite nice, yet many people disagree. You may enjoy the visual impact of turbines, but this

does not stop the majority of people seeing turbines as a scare on 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 Councils

Wildlife Impact The third and final most significant impact of a wind turbine on the surrounding environment is mainly argued by wildlife groups. In some areas of wind farm developments, birds have been found dead around the base of turbines. The force of the blades high up in the air may not seem powerful to you, yet they are more than capable of harming wildlife. Also tied in with this matter is the construction of wind turbines. As with many other developments, wind turbines need deep foundations, and this has the potential to destroy underground habitats, and disturb surrounding ones.