Case: site identification in East Riding of Yorkshire with potential for wind power. EIA steps

1. East Riding of Yorkshire

2. • Ideal climatic conditions. Wind speeds average
at 5-7 m/s – suitable for most applications
• Meadows succeeded by hills. Hills divert wind flow
upwards & accelerate wind speed.
• Roads & electricity infrastructure available to
installation.
The region has potential for wind farm development.
Specifically, it features:

3. However, the development must…
…respect nearby ecosystems. The region boasts a number
of wetlands and meadows – areas that harbour wildlife.
…be away from surface water and coastal zones. The East is
next to the North Sea, while the North overlooks the River
Humber. Close proximity to water can be associated with
flooding and disruption of fragile ecosystems.
…be away from heritage sites & conservation areas. East
Yorkshire features +30,000 historic assets, which should be
protected.
…be a safe distance from flight paths & electromagnetic
interference (e.g. TV, radio masts).

4. How to identify ideal sites for wind
farm development:
- Use Multi Criteria Assessment (MCE) in ArcMap
- Conduct suitability analysis in WindPRO

5. Steps in ArcMap:
1. Select area 2. Apply Criteria 3. Create Map
e.g. 8 contiguous
parishes in the
East Riding of
Yorkshire
• wind resource
• ground stability
• infrastructure
• biodiversity
• population
• heritage
Next: Examine identified site in e.g. Spaldington

6. Steps in WindPRO:
1. Zone of
Visual Impact
2. Noise 3. Shadow Flicker
e.g. 3 turbines –
56% visible from
surrounding
areas
Threshold:
40dB, 750m
Distance: 10*rotor diameter
‘Green house’ mode
Example case: Site with 3 wind turbines in Spaldington

7. Steps in WindPRO:
4. Energy Resource
45,097MWh per year
– constructive
interference from hills
5. Photomontage
No particular
obstruction of view
Example case: Site with 3 wind turbines in Spaldington

8. Are we ready to begin the
installation?
- Unfortunately, further investigation is needed…

9. Research into:
• Wind resource. Set-up devices for wind speed measurement on site
• Electricity transmission lines. Access to & availability of grid must be
confirmed
• Ecological assessment. Cradle-to-grave assessment of impact on
site, including e.g. groundwater
• Accessibility. Site should be accessible, without violating public
rights of passage
• Community. Are the people in agreement with the proposal?
• Cumulative impact. Individual conditions may be met, but what is
the whole picture?

10. “The relationship between renewable energy sources and the
communities we expect to host them must be appropriate and
sustainable and, above all, acceptable to local people”
- Owen Paterson