Exclusive:The 'deeply concerning' Scottish wind farm plans that threaten UK national security
The scaled back plans could threaten the UK’s ability to detect nuclear tests across the globe
Local campaigners have branded Borders wind farm proposals “deeply concerning" amid fears the development could interfere with a crucial national security system.
American energy giant Invenergy has lodged new plans for the Mid Hill wind farm, 9km south west of Hawick in the Borders, which would see 13 turbines up to 200m tall installed.
If approved, the 13 turbines, scaled back from an initial proposed 42 structures, would generate around 94MW of clean power, while a long duration energy storage system with an approximate rated power of 53MW has also been proposed.
But the development has been subject to an opposition campaign by locals, with concerns over the turbines which are proposed to be constructed within a designated safeguarding zone for the UK’s seismic array monitoring station at Eskdalemuir. Under the plans, the turbines would be built between 15km and 17km from the national security station.
The Ministry of Defence facility is the UK’s only such asset and is part of a global network used to detect nuclear tests carried out across the world and is effective based on an environment with minimal interference.
The array ensures the UK can continue to implement its obligations in maintaining the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.
A 50km safeguarding zone was set up to prevent wind turbine development due to the vibrations disrupting the collection of seismic data. A government Eskdalemuir working group has been established to determine whether a 15km or 10km exclusion zone should be confirmed.
Research has concluded that wind turbines generate seismic noise which can interfere with the operational functionality of the array.
The Scottish Government has commissioned consultants, Xi Engineering, which is also advising Invenergy on its proposals, to carry out a study on the vibration calculations within the exclusion zone.
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In an aviation and radar assessment, drawn up by the developers, Invenergy highlights the "impact on the Eskdalemuir Seismic Array”.
The document adds: “Regarding Eskdalemuir, industry-led work is progressing to update vibration limits and improve compliance frameworks. The proposed development is expected to meet these requirements, although some technical adjustments may be necessary.
“With appropriate mitigation and planning conditions, it is anticipated that the proposed development can proceed without significant adverse effects on aviation, radar or defence interests.”
Sarah St Pierre from the Borthwickwater Landscape Conservation Group, told The Scotsman there was “huge dismay” from local residents at the plans.
She added: “Apart from ruining the landscape, devaluing property prices, blighting tourism and threatening our wildlife, the position of the turbines will affect our national defence.
“At a time when the threat of international conflict has never been higher, it is deeply concerning that a renewable energy company can cause the Ministry of Defence to have to spend significant time and money re-examining so called ‘noise budget’ thresholds.”
Scottish Conservative MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire Rachael Hamilton said: “These proposals cannot end up being another example of Labour and the SNP riding roughshod over local community concerns.
“Given the location of these wind turbines, it is understandable that so many in the Borders feel this is a deeply inappropriate location, as well as potentially undermining national security.
“We will continue to stand up to the left-wing consensus and demand that locals have the final say over major new energy projects in their area.”
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “As is the case around defence sites across the UK, we can raise objections to plans which may affect national security and defence.
“We are currently assessing the Mid Hill wind farm application and will respond to it in due course.”
Invenergy was contacted for comment.
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