Environmental impact of renewable energy sources

Summary form only given. The CEGB have developed procedures for environmental assessment of large power stations. Preparation of an environmental statement is now a formal part of the consent application process. Some potential effects can be readily quantified, others are more subjective in nature. This is illustrated and issues relevant to renewable energy are discussed with particular reference to wind farms, where effects on landscape, noise, radio-communications and bird life are among the topics of interest