North Ayrshire MP Katy Clark had urged villagers to let her know of any
problems associated with the first SSE wind turbine which has begun
operating this week.
The Labour politician visited the site of the test wind turbines at
Hunterston on Thursday 20 February to make her own observations of the work
at the controversial facility.
Ms Clark was shown round the site by Kirstanne McDowall of SSE and Russell
Maxwell, who is the site’s assistant project manager. She viewed the first
wind turbine, which is near completion, as well as the site for the second
turbine, which is about to have its concrete foundation poured in.
Ms Clark said: “The wind turbine site at Hunterston will eventually host
three wind turbines that are each testing out new and experimental designs
and technology for offshore windfarms.
“There has been concern about the proximity of the turbines to residential
areas, the size of the turbines and that this may result in noise being
heard or vibrations being felt by local residents.
I, therefore, wanted to see the testing facility for myself although the
turbine which has been erected so far had still not started operating when
I visited as there has been some delay and so far any activity has been
relating to the erection of the first turbine.
“In my discussion with SSE I was informed that the first turbine is due to
energised within the next few weeks, so I would ask local people to monitor
the impact that the active turbine may have and let me know of any problems.
“SSE advised me that as the point of these turbines is experimental, the
various companies involved are undertaking extensive monitoring of the
results themselves. This monitoring is necessary to fully test and approve
the new technologies, so there will be a continual collecting of data and
information. However, if any constituents have concerns they can contact my
office and I would raise this matter with SSE directly.”
“The second turbine site will see the foundations being filled in with
concrete over the coming weeks. When the concrete pour is taking place
there will be a continual stream of lorries on A78 along the agreed route.
Again though, if there are any problems that arise as a result of this then
constituents should not hesitate to contact my office.”
Russell Maxwell, SSE’s Assistant Project Manager said: “We were delighted
to welcome Katy Clark MP to the Hunterston Offshore Test Facility and
update her on the construction activity that is underway. As a responsible
developer we have kept the community updated throughout the duration of the
works by issuing community newsletters and project website updates so we
welcome the views of the local community.”
“It is an exciting time as the project’s community fund has supported local
projects to the value of around £39k and is approaching an important
milestone with the imminent commissioning of the Siemens turbine. This will
see the turbine begin to generate wind powered electricity and export it to
the national grid while at the same time providing Siemens with important
data about how their latest technology performs ahead of future deployment
offshore.”
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