Wind Turbines

[John Webb]

Yes, thanks for that, Ashley. I thought it was most likely only for the internal 'machinery space' at the top of the turbine. There is little one can do once it gets outside that, I fear.

[Ken Taylor]

Do we know if water mist is now being specified for wind turbines - in the light of the Nissan incident and the manufacturer's test referred to above?

[Ashley Wood]

Ken, I can't say if water mist is the specified system or not, it is probably one of the solutions. I think it depends on the manufacturer of the turbine equipment.

[Ken Taylor]

Fortunately the Council rejected the proposal for a wind farm with giant turbines in an area of outstanding natural beauty here last evening - but it could go to appeal. This was considered by many to be an unwelcome 'quick-fix' solution for an island surrounded by vast amounts of moving water and higher than average sunshine.

However, the issue remains that these turbines have obviously been installed at inland sites without dedicated provision for the event of fire - the consequences of which could include the evacuation of nearby villages and crop, etc fires - and so we need to consider the need for something more than a 'let it burn out' philosophy - based, of course, on risk assessment.