There are more questions than answers!

The questions detailed below were asked of Cubico and others. We’ve included their answers.

Our response to each answer is intended to help the reader question further the usefulness of Scout Moor 2 Wind Farm to local communities and society in general.

Question – Lower Energy Bills

Where is the evidence for renewable energy lowering bills?

Cubico Answer

Analysis by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) suggests that transitioning to clean power could result in lower bills as wider changes in the energy system take effect. However, the precise impact on bills will depend on various factors, including future policy decisions, market dynamics, and external influences such as gas prices.

Our Response

The NESO study has already been widely discredited for making widely optimistic assumptions which bear no comparison to the real world. Such criticism is easy to find online.

Question – Modelling Data

Can you please share the modelling you refer to by Aurora or other independent organisations?

Cubico Answer

We rely on Aurora Energy Research for detailed energy market modelling and analysis. However, as a subscriber, we are bound by contractual agreements that prevent us from sharing their data with third parties. This information is commercially sensitive and proprietary, and as such, we are unable to disclose it.

Our Response

A convenient, “No”

Question – Decommissioning

What are the plans and funding provisions for decommissioning and restoring the site after the project ends.

Cubico Answer

Decommissioning will involve shutting down the wind farm and removing above-ground structures.

Our Response

This means the turbines bases (thousands of tons of environmentally unfriendly concrete), service tracks (thousands of tons of alien materials), crane pads, and other below ground structures will remain in place.

Question – Peat

Regarding peatland relocation, does this involve excavation, temporary storage in borrow pits, and reinstallation on-site? If so, can you explain how this process benefits the scheme ecologically?

Cubico Answer

Where peatland relocation is necessary, the process involves careful excavation, possible storage and reinstatement on-site.

Our Response

The first step to moorland restoration is to Stop Extraction and cease any peat digging activities.

Question – To Elsie Blundell MP

Will you support your constituents by accepting that this development is, quite simply, in the wrong place and align with the written opinion of one of your predecessor MPs, Simon Danczuk, which was, you will recall, that whilst he supported wind farms this proposal is in the wrong place.”. YES or NO?

Elsie Blundell’s Answer

Elsie has written to the Minister of State for Planning in relation to the proposed Scout Moor II Wind Farm. Once Elsie receives a response from the Minister, you will be contacted with further information.

Our Response

TBA

Question – Turbine Noise

How will Cubico address noise impacts, including Excessive Amplitude Modulation (EAM)?

Cubico Answer

Noise measurements are being carried out using established national guidelines, including ETSU-R-97, which provides the framework for assessing wind turbine noise in the UK.

Our Response

EAM is the main cause of annoyance and sleep disturbance from wind turbine noise. ETSU-R-97 was obsolete 10 years ago and is even more obsolete now. These bigger (up to) 180 meter high turbines demand a far more stringent test – the turbines are far bigger than when ETSU-R-97 was specified, and we must assume, the risk is proportionately greater.

Question – Views

What is the guidance on visualisations for wind farms, and how is it applied in practice?

Cubico Answer

The guidance for visualisations of wind farms is primarily informed by NatureScot’s Visual Representation of Wind Farms Guidance Version 2.2 (2017), which sets the standard for producing accurate and consistent [static] visuals.

Our Response

Turbines are exceptional industrial constructions as THEY MOVE ! Far more disturbing to the eye and brain than a static object. We are drawn to this movement as a key feature of the landscape, as both completely unnatural, but invasive to our perception of tranquility and calm. They do not ‘fit in’ – they are alien creatures ruining the moorland and the views to it – for no proven value.