Wind turbine’s collapse could be bitter blow

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=584487

Wind turbine’s collapse could be bitter blow

Published on 10/01/2008

AN INQUIRY has been launched after Cumbria’s oldest wind turbine collapsed. It is thought to be the first such incident in the 29-year history of harnessing wind energy in the UK.

The Health and Safety Executive has been notified of the incident, which has prompted safety fears from Cumbrian anti-windfarm campaigners.

Investigations are under way to determine what caused the 100-ft steel structure near, Hesket Newmarket, to crash to the ground.

The turbine, 11 tonnes, has been helping to produce energy to power J Stobart & Sons animal feed mill, at Newlands, for the last 19 years.

The collapse is likely to spark interest among windfarm campaigners and the renewable energy industry because many turbines are supposed have a lifespan of 25 years.

[sam sarrha]

1. life span of 25 years today, technology 19 years ago doesn't compare at all to todays

[lynnertic]

2. and whaddayaknow the warranty expired last week.

[OKIsItJustMe]

3. Inquiries continue into turbine collapse

http://www.cumberland-news.co.uk/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=585346

Inquiries continue into turbine collapse

Published on 11/01/2008

By Kelly Eve

INQUIRIES are continuing into why Cumbria’s oldest wind turbine collapsed over the festive period.

...

The 100ft steel structure, thought to weigh around 11 tonnes, collapsed on the morning of Friday, December 28.

New pictures of the collapse have emerged showing the blades of the turbine and debris blocking a country road which runs between Hesket Newmarket and the B5305 Wigton to Penrith road.

...

The BWEA says the lifetime of a turbine is around 20 years and that turbine development has changed over the years.