News Elsewhere contains mainly articles we have permission to republish from Views of Scotland and Country Guardian. You can learn more about these organisations by visiting: http://www.countryguardian.net/ and http://www.viewsofscotland.org/. Occasionally we will also post news from elsewhere on the web.
A controversial Girvan windfarm, which was refused planning permission, has been given the go-ahead from the Scottish Government. Eight huge wind turbines will now be erected near the town by PNE Wind UK, despite council planners fearing the giant structures would ruin the rural landscape. The Scottish Government revealed it Read more
By John Kemp Smart grids and reformed electricity pricing are essential to decarbonising Britain’s electricity system at lowest cost while maintaining secure and reliable supply, but the public remains “ambivalent” about them, according to researchers. Smart meters are due to be rolled out to every household in Britain between 2016 Read more
By Kaye Nicolson Moray councillors yesterday triggered a public local inquiry by objecting to plans for a windfarm extension. Renewable Energy Systems (RES) had tabled proposals to add 16 turbines – measuring up to 400ft – to an existing 21 mast development at Hill of Towie, near Drummuir. Because of Read more
Written by Neil Riddell Eighteen companies in Shetland are joining forces to investigate building a major new onshore wind farm in Yell and Unst. Initial investors who have begun development work on the project – which could result in a 150-200MW wind farm capable of powering tens of thousands of Read more
Decarbonisation of energy is probably the biggest peace-time change to national infrastructure that the UK will have seen. Ensuring the future stability of the grid while creating a system that can deal with two-way local power flows and less-predictable generation and new demands such as charging of electric vehicles Read more
Proposals for a 15-turbine wind farm near the border between Scotland and England have been rejected due to seismic and radar concerns. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-26339125
A call has been made to Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) for an update on its giant prototype turbine at Methil – just days before the mammoth structure is due to be plugged into the National Grid. http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/local-headlines/community-plea-for-communication-as-turbine-is-due-to-be-plugged-in-1-3320719
Councillors are being advised to refuse plans for a pair of 34.5m-tall wind turbines at Felkington Farm, near Norham. http://www.berwick-advertiser.co.uk/news/local/all-news/council-set-to-make-u-turn-over-felkington-turbines-1-3320663