WorldWide Drilling Resource

Harnessing the Wind in Scotland Compiled by Caleb Whitaker Associate Editor WorldWide Drilling Resource ® In a world looking to go green, wind farms are piquing more interest as a means to harness renewable energy. Scotland has the best wind resource in Europe, so capturing it, while continuing to research energy efficiency and other renewable sources is a priority for the country. In South Lanarkshire, construc- tion work is underway on the Kype Muir Wind Farm. On-site wind monitoring at Kype Muir over the past three years has confirmed the site has a suitable wind re- source, and it’s an adequate distance from residential properties, which will protect residents from unacceptable noise and shadow flicker effects. Kype Muir Wind Farm is a flagship development for Bank Renewables. The main farm will consist of 26 turbines which will all be the same height, with a hub height of around 260 feet and a maximum height at the blade tip of just over 430 feet. The aim of Bank Renewables is to develop a commercial-scale wind farm where social, environmental, and economic benefits are maximized and shared fairly between the operator, local authority, and most importantly the communities surrounding the proposal. The wind farm will initially generate a maximum of 88 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy. Plans have also been approved to increase the size of the wind farm by including an extension project, which will add 15 turbines and increase the maximum generating capacity to 139 MW, producing enough to meet the energy needs of over 90,000 homes. The project will support local businesses, local infrastructure, and the environment. Raeburn Drilling and Geotechnical Ltd. will do the site investigation work for the project, which typically includes drilling boreholes using cable percussive and rotary methods, providing geotechnical engineers to supervise mechanical excavated trial pits and carry out geological logging, includ- ing in-situ geotechnical testing, a full range of environmental and geotechnical sampling and testing methods, sensitivity testing, and other services. Construction work is expected to be fully commissioned in early 2019. Harnessing the wind will provide the most immediate way of reducing CO 2 emissions from electrical usage, whi le assisting in meeting the international and national targets currently in place. Within 14 months, it is anticipated the wind farm will have paid back the carbon used in its construction, allowing for the remainder of its 25-year operational life to generate electricity in a carbon-neutral fashion. Courtesy of Banks Renewables. Congratulat ions to: Kerry Sears Clarksvi l le , AR Winner for April! Time for a Little Fun! April Puzzle Solution: USA Rock Bit, Inc. Opdyke, Inc. Win a prize! Send your completed puzzle to: WWDR PO Box 660 Bonifay, FL 32425 or fax to: 850-547-0329 Can you identify which ads in this issue these two photos came from? September 21-22 Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center, Marlborough, MA For more information call 877-632-4748 or visit www.nda4u.com Save the Date – 2017 NDA Convention Exhibitor & sponsor opportunities are available! President’s Dinner with Awards • Golf Outing • Presentations Approved for CE Credits • Outdoor Static Displays • Entertainment • And More. 28 MAY 2017 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® July issue deadlines are right around the corner! Space Reservation: May 25 th Display & Classified Ad Copy: June 1 st