RWE npower renewables, the developer of the proposed Atlantic Array offshore wind farm, is still facing objections in North Devon regarding the number of turbines and their size.
The campaigning group Slay the Array, claims that RWE’s recent announcement about minimising the initially planned number of turbines was a strategy to make the public think the company cares for the public opinion, reports the North Devon Gazette.
Namely, the company announced it would reduce the number of proposed turbines from 417 to 278, but the opponents say it would now use bigger turbines.
Robert Thornhill , development manager for the Array said: “The sizes of turbine we are considering have not changed.
“We have however reduced the maximum number for which we will apply for planning consent from 417 to 278 following responses to our public consultation and our environmental and engineering studies to date.”
North Devon Councillor Rodney Cann called the company’s move a ‘cynical tactic’ and concluded: “The impact on North Devon is still negative. It is my belief that investment here is foolhardy in-so-much that in five years’ time there will be alternative forms of renewable energy that are far more acceptable and that don’t damage the environment.”
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Offshore WIND staff, June 6, 2012; Image: RWE