MoD warns wind farm could disrupt military radar
Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 13:07 · Archive
The Ministry of Defence has warned that a proposed 23-turbine wind farm near the Yorkshire Dales could interfere with military radar systems and pose a danger to low-flying aircraft. The Hope Moor Wind Farm, planned by renewable energy company Fred. Olsen Renewables for moorland between Arkengarthdale and Teesdale, would disrupt radar at RAF Leeming and an air defence installation in Northumberland.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation, responsible for managing MoD sites, stated the turbines, each over 200 metres high, would cause 'unacceptable interference' to air traffic control radar 30km away. Wind turbines can create unwanted aircraft detections and obscure genuine movements, potentially preventing aircraft detection and increasing workload for air traffic controllers responsible for separating military and civilian aircraft.
The MoD also raised concerns about the site's location in a low-flying area where military aircraft can operate at as low as 250 feet. Interference with the air defence radar installation at Remote Radar Head Brizlee Wood in Northumberland could reduce the RAF's ability to detect and deter aircraft in UK airspace. The MoD said conditions would be required to ensure turbines were fitted with aviation safety lighting and accurately recorded on aviation charts.
How it is being reported
- Wind farm would cause radar 'interference' - MODThe Ministry of Defence claims the 200m high turbines would have "detrimental effects" on radar.BBC York And North Yorkshire · 10 Oct, 13:36
- 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.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 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 Press (York) · 10 Oct, 12:00
In this story: Ministry of Defence · Fred. Olsen Renewables · RAF Leeming · Yorkshire Dales · Northumberland · Defence Infrastructure Organisation
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