Representation by Stephen Wilson Humble
- Date submitted
- 6 May 2024
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
It takes about 200 acres to generate the same electricity by solar panels as one North Sea wind turbine. This represents a grossly inefficient use of precious land, whatever its quality, but especially given the areas proposed for Byers Gill fall within the top ratings as graded by the ALC when considering planning proposals. The proposed Byers Gill Site C, D, E and F and the small section south of Coal -Bank will completely surround the village of Bishopton which is a conservation area. The total area of the combined 6 sites is approaching 2,000 acres of arable land, resulting in a loss of fertile farmland thereby reducing the UK’s valuable food production capacity and exacerbating food insecurity. Solar farms generate ‘ragged’ electricity because of the random incidence of clouds or overcast skies which restrict electricity generation from the panels. In addition the panels only work by day whereas demand for domestic electricity goes on for 24 hours. Hence the necessity for expensive battery storage which has very limited storage duration, as well as a propensity to burst into flames. With hardly any electricity generated during the winter months, the average energy produced by a solar farm is only 11% of the installed capacity of the panels. This is another gross inefficiency. In comparison, a wind- turbine generates over 40% of its rated output throughout the year. Being renewable does not mean being zero carbon. The embedded carbon footprint (ECF) of a solar panel is 50 gms of CO2 per kWh generated, while the ECF of a wind turbine is 7.5 gms per kWh. 50 gms is much further away from nett zero than 7.5 gms. Solar farms produce their maximum electricity in the summer when demand for electricity is at its lowest. Wind turbines produce their maximum electricity in mid- winter when demand for electricity is at its peak. Other factors to consider include the large number of HGVs on a minor road network and in close proximity to a primary school during construction. Over and above the construction plant traffic, there will also be a large volume of workers' vehicles accessing the minor roads.