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Wind farm projects are often subject to high levels of scrutiny by planning authorities and third parties. Due to the high profile of proposed developments it is increasingly common for projects to end up at Public Inquiry. TNEI always look to provide robust technical services to ensure that the assessments are defensible throughout the planning process and at Public Inquiry if and when required. The six strong noise team have been involved in over fifty full ETSU-R-97 noise assessments and several hundred smaller assessments. During the last 18 months staff have been involved in six Public Inquiries for wind farm proposals; two schemes have been approved with all noise related issues resolved to the satisfaction of the appointed Planning Inspector, one scheme was dismissed despite the inspector having no concerns regarding noise, whilst three projects are yet to be determined. TNEI’s Principal Acoustic Consultant Stephen Arnott has given evidence at

TNEI is a consortium partner in ISLES, a full feasibility study into the development of an offshore transmission network linking potential offshore sites for the generation of renewable energy in the coastal waters of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Western Scotland. ISLES is a collaboration between the Scottish Government (Business, Enterprise & Energy), the Northern Ireland Executive (Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment) and the Government of Ireland (Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources). The feasibility study involves developing a business case for the delivery of a trans-boundary grid and will examine aspects such as technology and infrastructure; environment and planning; regulatory and finance; construction and deployment; and opportunities for economic development. TNEI’s Power Systems and Technology Group is providing technology and infrastructure expertise; this includes developing key ISLES transmission network concepts and a corresponding technology roadmap. The current phase of the study is a detailed engineering, costing and economic

TNEI has a clear focus for 2011 and beyond to grow the Planning and Environmental services business it offers to clients with the appointment of a dedicated Business Development Manager. Mike JericevichMike Jericevich joined TNEI in January of this year with 15 years consultancy experience in a number of industry sectors including civil and structural engineering for numerous commercial, environmental and industrial projects, mobile telecom network deployment and onshore renewables. Since 2007 Mike has applied his previous skills and consultancy experience to the onshore wind industry and has developed tailored service offerings for a variety of private UK developers and large UK and international utility companies active in the UK onshore wind market. Over the past four years Mike has developed a detailed understanding of the origination and consenting phases of small and large scale renewable energy schemes and has a clear appreciation of all the major challenges in managing

TNEI are continuing to expand their Power Systems and Technology group to provide a wider range of services. One of these is the capability to perform arc flash calculations. These calculations determine the potential risk and protective measures required when working on or near live electrical apparatus. Following recent HSE investigations arc flash calculations are becoming increasingly common. See our Arc Flash Hazard further details.

The Software Group of TNEI has just released the latest version of it’s Ipsa Power System Analysis Software. Ipsa2 features a brand new user interface which provides significant enhancements and usability improvements. This version is the result of several man-years of work and marks a major advance in power system analysis. Free evaluation versions can be obtained from www.ipsa-power.com.

Swale Borough Council has consented a two turbine development within the grounds of HMP Standford Hill on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent. The development is the first consent received by Partnerships for Renewables, which was established by the Carbon Trust in 2006 to develop, construct and operate renewable energy projects on public sector land. TNEI was responsible for the management of the Environmental Impact Assessment and submission of the planning application in relation to this ground breaking development. Andy Edgar, Planning and Environmental Group Manager, is delighted with the success of the project: ‘this project is the first of what will hopefully be many that unlock the generation potential of public sector land. The scheme itself required a robust and detailed assessment of environmental effects and the nature of the site raised some interesting issues. It is good to see that TNEI continues to be at the forefront as the