Where to Build a Wind Farm?

In my opinion, the best place to build a wind farm in Cumbria is off the shore of Allonby. This is because; it has a lot of advantages which suit it, for being the best place to build a wind farm; as of its location and ingenious ideology behind it. Moreover, it is an offshore wind farm, which means that it will benefit a lot of homes, as at the sea it is extremely windy. Thus, a lot of electricity is generated, providing a lot of electricity than usual. However, some people would say that, because it is near a town, it’ll be very noisy and distracting to tourists and residents, and will even be an ‘eyesore. On the contrary, the wind farm will be 3 metres away from the land, so there is the least possibility of noise pollution and intervention. Furthermore, some people think that wind farms are quite attractive to look at and would be inquisitive about them when going on holiday. This would bring more tourists to Allonby and make it more popular; are helps the economy by bringing more jobs to Allonby such as information centre employees. This would educate the future generations to elaborate more of wind energy and alternative sources, to help the world’s situation.

Also, being it the sea, there is a lot of space to build a wind farm, as there are no other possible variables that could affect it; and the decision to build a wind farm would be eliminated. However, there is the issue of it being in the sea so there is the problem of accessing the wind farm in the first place, if any problems arise with it. If something occurred and there was no way of fixing it as it is in the sea, then the homes and appliances relying on this wind energy, would be without power; and would be very disappointed – a major problem.

Notwithstanding, this issue can be sorted out, as it is accessible by either a boat or a helicopter – to try and sort the problem out. However, it won’t be perfect, and sometimes issues may arise, so the government needs to think of other ways of access. In addition, the next best choice to build a wind farm would have been, Caldbeck Fells. This is because, it had a lot of advantages as Allonby, however it had some minor points which proved it to be less worthy and eliminated it. Firstly, Caldbeck Fells is on high exposed land which means there is a lot of wind available, which can power a lot of homes in Cumbria and electrical appliances.

Also, it is a remote area, meaning no one will be perturbed or disturbed by it; and it will prove beneficial. Exceedingly, it is accessible by country lanes, so if something goes wrong, the maintenance team can access it by car. However, a major factor let it down, which was the fact that; it is just outside a national park, and a national park is preserved for outstanding natural beauty. People say that, if a wind farm were to be built here, then people would be repelled by it and will not choose to visit it – and it may mean the obstruction of birds, wildlife, ecosystems and scenery.

However, to reiterate some people may like the idea of watching wind farms, as evidence in Scotland suggests that 8 out of 10 people have said, they would want to find out more about it. Also, it would have made the National Park more popular. Unfortunately, in my opinion, it may be a disadvantage to the fact of, that it may upset ecosystems and wildlife so many ornithologists, animal welfare support groups may protest, demolishing the request to build. Additionally, there were many sites that could’ve qualified for wind farm building, but had a lot of negative factors.

Some sites have a lot of space to build wind farms and have a lot of wind availability, so a lot of electricity can be generated like Burgh by Sands. However, it has marshland, and a wind farm cannot be built as of its instability and it is close to a city (Carlisle) which means that, it can possibly disturb tourism activity or increase it, and create noise problems. Also, it would obstruct birds, ecosystems and plants. Besides, Anthorn was on the coast and had some roads, so cars can get through for maintenance, however it had some radio masts and it would interfere with radio signals and be an additional ‘eyesore. Moreover, Skiddaw could’ve had the winning chance, but some factors limited it. It had high ground and plenty of spaces, as there were essentially no buildings and it would not affect anyone in terms of noise, as it was on a high mountain. However, it is part of the Lake District and the famous town Bassenthwaite is next to it; and it can be very unattractive. However, as it being closer to a town, it can provide jobs. Albeit, it cannot be accessible to any transport, as it will be high on a mountain; but a helicopter can be the solution.

However, the problem cannot be sorted out as thorough. Wind energy is an excellent alternative energy source, as it doesn’t harm the environment – it just uses wind to drive the turbines, which spin around to drive the generator to generate electricity. As for crude oil and fossil fuels, they are running out and also harm the environment. However, this clean energy can very easily be generated. UK has a lot of wind energy up in its highlands, so is ideal for this and wind energy on average provides 2200 GW of energy which is essential for homes, rather than power stations.

However, there is not enough land sometimes or not enough wind to drive these turbines which can create an issue; and powerless homes sometimes. So, the government is planning to build offshore wind farms 3 metres off land, which are ideal as here is constantly a lot of wind, generating lots of electricity. It would be ideal to choose offshore wind energy rather than expensive crude oil, as wind energy is renewable and affordable in means of one erected wind turbine can power thousands of homes, and is renewable – so will not run out.

Coastal wind farms, also increase tourist activity and are known as peaceful. Momentarily, there is a lot of issue over global warming and crude oil running out. There are issues of sustaining wind power stations in the UK. In my opinion, I believe that, offshore wind farms are the way forward for UK as it will not be any obstruction. However, the government may want to look into other alternatives such as geothermal energy, tidal wave energy – as of a lot of coastal areas. Also, the issue of nuclear power can be looked into, however it may hazardous if something wrong occurs.