Super turbine will help put Methil on the map
REASSURANCES have been issued to Levenmouth residents who fear they will be plagued by noise from Samsung’s new super-turbine.
Fife Council acted to defend the proposal after campaign group Scotland Against Spin claimed the 650-foot wind turbine would be a “recipe for disaster” for the “guinea pigs” living near Fife Energy Park.
Councillor Alex Rowley, leader of Fife Council, said: “The growth of the energy and renewables sector is a central part of Fife’s economic recovery, and the Council is committed to supporting research and development and ultimately manufacturing in this sector. Our target is to have 3,000 people working in this sector
by 2020.
“But that doesn’t mean local people should have to accept unacceptable levels of noise or visual disturbance, and the Council is demanding the Scottish Government impose strict conditions on any consent for demonstration offshore at the Energy Park.”
Cllr Rowley stressed the offshore wind demonstrator project was immensely important to Levenmouth, Fife and Scotland.
“It is a world first for the offshore wind sector - the most powerful wind turbine in the world and it will put Methil and Fife on the map for the five-year duration of the planning consent.”
He also predicted the Samsung project could spark further major investment in the energy park.
“Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has shown real commitment to Fife by announcing that it is creating its offshore wind headquarters in Methil.
“I am determined to drive an agenda of renewal in Fife making sure that our people have the skills for the jobs of the future,” he concluded.
Councillor Tom Adams, chair of Fife Council’s Levenmouth area committee agreed Samsung’s investment was a “key milestone” in the regeneration of Levenmouth.
He said: “We’ve seen SHI go into the Fife Renewables Innovation Centre and work is progressing at the Energy Park on met masts and other preparatory work for the demonstrator. Officers are continuing to work hard with SHI on future plans for the area.”
He added in the longer term, young people had to grasp opportunities in apprenticeships and training to make them ready for future jobs in the sector.
“This is an exciting time for Methil and Levenmouth, especially in a climate of economic uncertainty across the country,” he commented.
“We are still attracting new investment and business has shown confidence in the
local area.”
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Weather for Kirkcaldy
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South east
