MoD warns proposed Yorkshire wind farm could disrupt military radar

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 12:14 · Archive

The Ministry of Defence has warned that a proposed 23-turbine wind farm in Yorkshire would cause unacceptable interference with military radar systems.

The Ministry of Defence has warned that a proposed 23-turbine wind farm near the Yorkshire Dales would cause unacceptable interference with military radar systems and could pose a danger to low-flying aircraft. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation said the turbines would be detectable from and cause 'unacceptable interference' to air traffic control radar sited at RAF Leeming, 30 kilometres away.

Wind turbines can interfere with radar by creating unwanted aircraft detections and potentially obscuring genuine aircraft movements, the MoD warned. This interference could prevent aircraft from being detected by radar and increase the workload of air traffic controllers responsible for separating military and civilian aircraft. The organisation also raised concerns about impact on an air defence radar installation at Remote Radar Head Brizlee Wood in Northumberland, which could reduce the RAF's ability to detect and deter aircraft in UK airspace.

Fred. Olsen Renewables is proposing the Hope Moor Wind Farm on moorland between Arkengarthdale and Teesdale, with turbines over 200 metres in height near Stang Forest. The scheme is being considered through the nationally significant infrastructure planning process. The MoD said conditions would be required to ensure turbines were fitted with aviation safety lighting and accurately recorded on aviation charts, as the site is within a low-flying area where military aircraft can operate as low as 250 feet.

How it is being reported

• MoD warns 23-turbine Yorkshire Dales wind farm could interfere with military radarMoD and NATS warn 23-turbine Hope Moor Wind Farm near the Yorkshire Dales could disrupt RAF radar, threaten low-flying aircraft and UK air defence.Darlington & Stockton Times · 10 Oct, 12:00
• MoD warns 23-turbine Yorkshire Dales wind farm could interfere with military radarMoD and NATS warn 23-turbine Hope Moor Wind Farm near the Yorkshire Dales could disrupt RAF radar, threaten low-flying aircraft and UK air defence.The Northern Echo · 10 Oct, 12:00

In this story: Ministry of Defence · Fred. Olsen Renewables · RAF Leeming · Yorkshire Dales · Northumberland · Arkengarthdale · Teesdale

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