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RTPI West of Scotland Chapter event: Study visit to Ardrossan Windfarm

John Walls reports

At the end of May, a baker's dozen or so members from the Chapter had an excellent visit to see Airtricity's Windfarm above Ardrossan. They were fortunate to have ideal weather: not only was it a sunny evening but there was also a respectable wind so that the turbines could be seen working at optimum levels.

Noise - not a problem
Noise from the turbines, often raised as a concern at pre-application stage, clearly was not an issue. It did not even affect members' conversational level. This meant that our guides for the night, Pauline Allison, Roy Young and Michael Walker, didn't have to struggle to communicate. One of the biggest concerns during the application stage was raised by Glasgow Airport about the possible impact on the air traffic control system. However, this was found not to be a problem.

The Windfarm's workings
The site was commissioned in early 2004. Initially there were 12 turbines but a further three were added in 2008. Each Vesta Turbine was made in Campbeltown and can produce up to 2MW of electricty. Airtricity have been very pleased with the site because it has an efficiency of 37%. Not as high as 58% which has been achieved on one site in the Shetlands but much better than the 25% national average. The maximum power output for the site is 30MW which is achieved by the turbines turning at a modest 16.5 rpm. There is enough power for about 20,000 homes at its operational capacity of 37%. All monitoring can be done on line so that the site does not be manned at all times. While the turbines are low maintenance, they are monitored to ensure that they are working at optimum levels. Overall the turbines are visited about 4 to 6 times a year.

Community links
Airtricity work hard to maintain a good relationship with local communities. This is helped by a £30,000 fund which is made available to West Kilbride Community Trust and North Ayrshire Council to assist local projects and activities. In addition, Airtricity encourage local schools and other community groups to visit the site to take the mystery out of windfarms.

The site continues to be used for sheep farming as was attested by the many sheep and lambs wandering about the site. Moreover, there has been no evidence of 'bird strikes' since the windfarm became operational. The highest point of the site had been an Iron Age fort. It is easy to see why: not only is it easily defensible but it has great visibility in almost all directions of the compass including a stunning view of Arran. On a personal note, they say you can see the outline of a Sleeping Warrior in the hills from the Lochranza area on the island but I reckon I could see it from the windfarm. It's all in the mind.

The West of Scotland Chapter extends a warm thanks to Airtricity for hosting this event.

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Author:

James Henderson

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

31-Aug-09

Categories:

Nations & Regions 

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