UK - The trials of climate change

The skies over Clatter mountain near Newtown in Powys, mid-Wales are the setting for unusual military manoeuvres as the MOD trials new technology designed to overcome interference on civil and military air traffic control radar. The MOD is working with the DTI, the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) with support from National Air Traffic Services (NATS) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), to test two technologies from BAE Systems and Selex S.I. to see if they resolve problems posed by wind turbines. An MOD mobile Watchman radar has been located in an area of multiple wind farms and both the RAF and an independently appointed safety team are conducting calibrated trial flights.

If the technology is deemed fit for purpose it will free up a significant number of potential locations for wind farm across the UK that could contribute to the Government's renewable energy target if developed. Minister for Energy Malcolm Wicks said: "The Government wants 10% of our electricity to come from renewable sources by 2010 and double that by 2020, with wind energy set to make a major contribution. There are still hurdles to be overcome but one by one we are knocking down the barriers that could prevent us reaching that target.

"A recently published NOP survey on behalf of the DTI found 81% of those polled supported wind farms but I recognise that they can be controversial and that is why it's vital that we site them correctly. Overcoming the complex and challenging issue of radar interference will increase our options. "This interference is a problem that has to be overcome all over the world and the pioneering work being done in Wales puts the UK at the forefront of the technology, with the inherent business benefits that can bring. It is encouraging to see government, industry and the military working closely together to find a solution."

The location in Wales has been chosen as it is situated near four working wind farms - Bryn Titli, P & L (Llandinam), Cefn Croes and Carno A & B - of varying size, scale and model of wind turbines collectively providing a rigorous test for each technology. A selection of different RAF aircraft will be taking flights over the wind farms as the BAE Systems Advanced Digital Tracker (ADT) and the Sensis SPE-3000 processor track the flights. In what is a challenging radar environment, the technology has been designed to register the aircraft among similar images (radar clutter) caused by the wind turbines' rotating blades.

Under Secretary of State for Defence Tom Watson said: "We must sustain essential military activity in the UK, whilst fully supporting the Government's renewable energy policy. The rotating blades of wind turbines interfere with radar performance when the blades are in the line of sight of the radar, which is why we have to restrict their position. We hope that as a result of these trials, an increased number of wind farms can be built, without any risk to the Armed Forces ability to train and operate in the UK."

Chris Tomlinson, Director of Operations at BWEA is upbeat about the progress being made. He said: "This is a supreme example of Government working across departments and proactively engaging with industry to find solutions for mutual benefit. All parties are investing resources in pursuit of these potential solutions that would allow the UK to expand renewable delivery to combat climate change and secure our energy supplies, while aviation safety and security remains paramount. "This is an exciting time with all stakeholders eagerly awaiting the outcome of the trials, which if successful, will be a key factor in securing a 20% renewable energy target by 2020."