Frequently Asked Questions

Will Nuon receive a Government Grant or other subsidy for building this wind farm?

The Harrington wind farm will have two sources of income. One is income from the sale of the electricity to wholesalers who then sell it on to consumers. The other is from the sale of Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROC). The ROC is designed by the Government as an incentive intended to increase the amount of clean energy purchased by the wholesalers and thereby encouraging the rate of development in renewable energy sources including wind farms. It is important to remember that the wind farm only gets an income from either of these sources in realtion to the amouth of electricity generated. There is no subsidy for simply building a wind farm.

Will Nuon come back for an extension?

Initially Nuon felt the site could accommodate 12 turbines. After detailed consultation it was felt that 7 was a more productive and feasible number. There is no intention or justification for further turbines.

Will the wind farm replace the agricultural uses of the land?

Farming can take place alongside the turbines. Only a very small area is needed for each turbine and existing tracks will be used for much of the access.

Will it obstruct paths, walkers or riders?

Existing paths on the site are retained. The long distance Brampton Valley Way footpath runs to one side of the site and will have some views of the wind farm.

Will it damage the airfield heritage?

The location of the turbines will not encroach on what remains of the Thor missile site. The wind farm development is intended to enable and promote heritage interest, access and visitor informtaion. This will be achieved with the guidance of the Carpetbagger Aviation Museum Harrington.

Is it safe?

Wind turbines have an excellent safety record. There are over 2000 wind turbines operating in the UK and not one member of the public has suffered an injury from them.

Will there be shadow flicker?

Shadow flicker is well understood and care has been taken in the design of the proposal to make sure that it will not occur.

Will there be any benefit to the local community?

YES - It is Nuon’s policy to provide for a community fund to be managed locally. The nature and scope of the fund will be carefully established in consultation with elected bodies and local interested parties. - You can download the Statement of Community Involvement from the "Wind Farms in the Community" page.

What about other wind farm proposals in the area?

Nuon chose the former airfield location above other potential sites in the area because it was considered to be the best location in terms of fitting in to the historic and contemporary landscape. Nuon remains confident that detailed assessments of this and other locations will show that the former RAF Harrington site is the right place to build a wind farm.
 

Who controls the windfarm?

The windfarm will be under Nuon's control from its office in England. For maintenance purposes the wind farm will be monitored under a service agreement by the wind turbine supplier (yet to be selected). In either case, this will be via the internet.