WIND FARMS

Wind farms have appeared in several SQA questions, including last year's Credit paper. usually candidates have to identify the advantages and disadvantages of wind farms.

Advantages-clean form of energy; no greenhouse gases emitted; they harness a a major source of natural power; will help maintain Scotland's energy supplies; compatable with other activities, eg cycling, forestry, farming

Disadvantages-unsightly-they occupy ridges and hills, so they are visible for miles; out of place in wild and remote places; can affect birds which may get entangled in the massive blades

If you can think any more, let me know! You should know about the lastest project, summarised below:-

Work starts today at Whitelee Farm, Eaglesham Moor on Europe's biggest onshore wind farm.It will comprise 140 turbines running along 30 miles of hilltops. They will be able to power 200,000 homes - the equivalent of more than half of Glasgow's energy needs. ScottishPower says the project will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 650,000 tonnes a year, equivalent to the output of around 240,000 cars. The company will also build a network of cycle paths and a visitor centre at the site.

Alistair Darling, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, said:

"It will make a major contribution to our twin aims of securing energy supplies and tackling climate change.....ixteen per cent of Scotland's electricity already comes from these sources, compared with 4% for the UK as a whole."Philip Bowman, ScottishPower's chief executive, said: "Whitelee is not the end of the story. If we are to deliver more clean energy, we have really got to keep up the momentum on the other big onshore wind farms in Scotland which are currently in planning."Other windfarms in the pipeline include a "renewable energy park" with 42 wind turbines near Neilston, East Renfrewshire.....Another, with 125 turbines, is proposed for Clyde Muirshiel Country Park. Others are earmarked in the Old Kilpatrick Hills, Ayrshire and Lanarkshire.

Click here for images of wind farms in Scotland!!