Why do we need to build onshore wind farms?
It is widely recognised by policy makers that both onshore and offshore wind energy developments will be required to meet the UK Government target for 10% of UK electricity supply from renewable sources by 2010.

Onshore wind power is currently the most commercially and technologically advanced renewable energy source capable of producing significant quantities of electricity. Offshore wind is also well advanced, however, there are still significant commercial and technological challenges for large-scale offshore wind developments to overcome.

Is there evidence to suggest that wind farms adversely affect house prices?
npower renewables is aware of two surveys independently conducted by Knight Frank on behalf of the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) and Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), into the effect of wind farms on house prices. Both surveys summarise that their results are inconclusive, however, those respondents that did report a negative impact to the RICS noted that it was predominantly during the planning stage of a wind farm development and probably a result of uncertainty about the proposal. The results also imply that any impact reduces over time once a wind farm has been constructed.

This reflects the results of numerous public opinion surveys that show time and time again that once a wind farm is operational, fears about potential effects melt away.

We would expect to see similar results when looking at countless different types of development proposals that pass through the planning process, from schools to supermarkets, leisure centres to golf courses. New developments can create uncertainty locally during the planning process and can lead to local concerns or fears. Once a project is built, however, those fears are often subsequently not realised and a development becomes an established part of the area.

It seems that the evidence and experience points to uncertainty being the issue, not wind power itself.

Would the turbines interfere with TV/satellite and radio reception?
Like other large structures, wind turbines can interfere with TV reception but there are solutions available. For example realigning aerials, or installing new aerials or masts can be effective.

For proposals the get the go ahead, npower renewables would be obliged to ensure that any effect on available TV services are remedied at our own cost.

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