The aim of the SLR study is to support SNH’s development of a ‘how-to’ guide for developers, operators and stakeholder which will examine the best environmental options for the post-operational or repowering stage of a wind farm’s development as well as long-term restoration.
“Few UK onshore wind farms have yet to enter the decommissioning stage due to their expected 25-year life span” said SLR Technical Director Jean Welstead. “Consequently, there is minimal experience in implementing best-practice approaches for decommissioning and restoration. But, with some wind farms now approaching the end of their working lives, it is recognised that earlier consideration of restoration and decommissioning issues is needed. Our research will identify the issues to consider, develop a template Restoration and Decommissioning Plan and provide evidence to support SNH’s future guidance.”
SLR is an international environmental consultancy, based near Oxford in the UK, with almost 900 employees working from 63 offices in Europe, North America, Australasia, and Africa. It is one of a few international specialist environmental consultancies. It provides global advice and support on a wide range of strategic and site-specific issues to a diverse and growing base of business, regulatory and governmental clients. Energy is one of SLR’s key business areas, alongside mining, oil and gas, in which it is involved with renewable power including wind, energy from waste, hydropower and biomass. It is also a consultant to the private sector waste management industry in the UK and carries out many planning and environmental impact assessment projects for major commercial developers.
“We are committed to working with all sectors of the renewables industry and this proposed guide will enable developers and contractors to plan future decommissioning projects in the most sustainable way” commented Kenny Taylor, renewable energy policy and advice officer with Scottish Natural Heritage.
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