By Michael Alexander
An anti-windfarm campaign group is calling on Samsung Heavy Industries to
improve its community engagement.
The company left the community in the dark over a breakdown of its
196-metre turbine at Methil docks and the group has offered to act as an
“honest broker” in community benefit negotiations.
Scotland Against Spin chairman and Fife resident Graham Lang welcomed news
that politicians had acknowledged the world’s largest experimental offshore
turbine on their doorstep was a worry to many Methil residents.
He said: “There is a tendency for politicians in Holyrood and Westminster
to take all the hype about renewable energy at face value. When you have to
live cheek by jowl with turbines, the reality is rather different.
“When Lindsay Roy MP and Claire Baker MSP speak to Samsung Heavy
Industries, perhaps they could also find out what has happened to the
community benefit offer which the Scottish Government recommends all
onshore wind developments make.
“By connecting the turbine to the grid, Samsung is clearly expecting to
sell electricity and collect the 200% subsidy which offshore wind turbines
collect.
“Since the Scottish Government and Scottish Renewables both recommend
£5,000 per MW as a minimum for onshore wind turbines, Samsung’s
starting-point should be at least double this. Scotland Against Spin …
would be happy to act as an honest broker if Samsung are willing to come to
the table.
“It would also be reassuring for residents if their political
representatives could find out what they should do if they are affected by
noise emissions or shadow flicker. This information should be made
available in Methil so that if people are disturbed in their homes by the
turbine, they know there is someone whom they can contact who will deal
with the problem immediately.”
Samsung is due to link the 7MW turbine to the national grid this month,
marking another landmark for the world’s largest turbine, which was
completed last October.
But residents and politicians have asked for assurances, following repairs
to one of the blades.
A spokeswoman for Samsung Heavy Industries said there was no community
benefit arrangement for the Methil turbine and therefore discussions on
this were not necessary.
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