Wind energy
Wind energy is one of the most widely deployed renewable energy technologies in the UK and is the largest source of renewable electricity generation.
Wind energy is generated using turbines which capture the natural power of the wind to drive a generator. The large wind farms seen around the countryside generally supply electricity to the national grid. However, the availability of a variety of turbine types and sizes means that you can generate your own electricity supply for use onsite.
The two main turbine types available are:
- Free-standing turbines, which are available in a range of sizes and can be used singularly or in groups. Small free-standing turbines are already in use at businesses throughout the UK.
- Building-mounted turbines, which are usually installed on roofs. These are not currently widely used, although new designs are beginning to appear.
Advantages of wind energy
- Many areas of the UK have good wind conditions for generating renewable electricity, although site-specific wind assessments are required to determine whether a location is suitable. In Scotland, The Energy Saving Trust has produced a handy wind speed predictor, which predicts your wind speed and advises on whether a turbine may be suitable.
Note: The Energy Saving Trust does not recommend installing a small-scale wind turbine in areas with wind speeds of less than 5 metres per second.
Energy Saving Trust: Windspeed calculator - It is one of the most financially viable renewable energy options and this is improving as the technology develops. Payback periods vary significantly depending on site conditions, turbine size, installation costs and electricity prices.
- Wind energy could generate a significant proportion of your electricity needs.
Disadvantages of wind energy
- Wind turbine developments often meet significant local opposition at the planning stage due to their visual impact.
- If there is no wind, the turbines don't generate any electricity. This is known as an intermittent technology. You would need a national grid connection for back-up.
Installing a wind power development in Northern Ireland
You must apply for planning permission from your local divisional planning office if you want to build a wind power development.
You may need to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) if it is considered that the project may have a significant environmental impact.
EIA requirements depend on the scale, location and characteristics of the development. Developers should consult the relevant planning authority at an early stage to determine whether EIA screening is required.
DAERA: Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)
Generating wind energy in environmentally sensitive areas (Northern Ireland)
Additional assessment may be required if a proposed development could affect protected landscapes, habitats, species or heritage features. Consideration may be needed for developments that could affect:
- Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)
- the Giant's Causeway World Heritage Site and its landscape setting
- protected habitats and species, including birds and bats
- peatland habitats
- rivers, lakes and groundwater
You may need to provide ecological, hydrological or landscape information to support a planning application.
DAERA: Wind energy installations
Installing a wind power development in Scotland
You must apply for planning permission from your local planning authority if you want to build a wind power development.
You may need to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) if it is considered that the project may have a significant environmental impact.
EIA requirements depend on the scale, location and characteristics of the development. Developers should consult the relevant planning authority at an early stage to determine whether EIA screening is required.
Scottish Government: Infrastructure - Energy consents
Generating wind energy in environmentally sensitive areas (Scotland)
NatureScot may need to be consulted as part of the planning process where a project could affect designated sites, protected species or the historic environment.
Protected areas can include:
- Sites of Special Scientific Interest
- national parks
- national scenic areas
- special areas of conservation
- special protection areas.
NatureScot: Sitelink: Interactive map of protected sites
If your site has archaeological or architectural interest, you must inform Historic Environment Scotland (HES).
Good practice
Wind turbines can generate noise. To limit and control noise you should:
- use a low noise turbine design
- monitor your turbine to make sure you are not causing a nuisance
- locate your turbines away from the boundaries of your site.
Noise, odour and other nuisances
Further information
Northern Ireland Planning: Planning information
Scottish Government: Planning information