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Wind farm death knell fears
FEARS that the death knell has been sounded for West Hinkley wind farm were raised this week, with the sale of its rights to Electricite de France (EDF).
The energy firm has already announced its interest in investing in nuclear energy and bought the rights for the wind farm from Your Energy.
EDF also owns a piece of land adjoining the existing nuclear plant, which campaigners fear will be used to build more nuclear reactors.
Stop Hinkley spokesman Jim Duffy said: "It's bitterly disappointing that a clean renewable energy project has been squeezed out by Europe's biggest energy company who are set on building at least one but perhaps two giant nuclear reactors with their associated nuclear waste and risks from accidents and terrorism.
"This is a sad day for the environment."
A spokesman from EDF said: "EDF has been exploring possibilities at Hinkley Point for more than a year and has already said publicly that it has purchased land next to the existing site."
But EDF said hopes for a wind farm may not be lost completely, and that they would be looking into every option.
The spokesman added: "While EDF's priority is the development of new nuclear at the site, the company is also reviewing all its options regarding the proposed wind farm.
"We are also investigating, through our sister company EDF Energy Nouvelles, several other sites for windfarms in the South West."
A spokesman from Your Energy said: "Your Energy had been developing the wind farm since 2002 but planning permission had yet to be granted.
"EDF Energy were a logical successor to Your Energy in the project given EDF Energy's experience in all aspects of power generation and supply and their recent investment in the land that comprised part of the wind farm site."
* What do YOU think? Tell us your views using the comment form below.
7:22am Friday 16th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Mike Rigby, Taunton on 1:34pm Fri 16 May 08
So, West Somerset Council refuses permission for a windfarm and we get saddled with a new nuclear power station instead. Absolutley brilliant. Thanks a bunch West Somerset.
So, West Somerset Council refuses permission for a windfarm and we get saddled with a new nuclear power station instead. Absolutley brilliant. Thanks a bunch West Somerset.
Posted by: Peter, North Carolina and Taunton on 1:53pm Fri 16 May 08
Sir Francis must be turning in his grave!
Sir Francis must be turning in his grave!
Posted by: Phillip Bratby, Devon on 4:01pm Sat 17 May 08
At last a bit of sense. The promise of a lot of real baseload power from a small nuclear power station instead of a bit of intermittent power from giant wind turbines.
At last a bit of sense. The promise of a lot of real baseload power from a small nuclear power station instead of a bit of intermittent power from giant wind turbines.
Posted by: Eddie Adams, Bleadon W-S-M on 11:28pm Tue 3 Jun 08
Your Energy is the snake in the environmental grass
Your Energy is the snake in the environmental grass
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