The Effect of Vibrations from Wind Turbines on Seismically Sensitive Critical Installations

In order to meet Kyoto targets, the UK has set the challenge of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2050. Renewable energy, especially wind power, will be an important contributor with a target of 10% of energy from renewables by 2010. The Southern Uplands of Scotland offer a prime wind resource because of a large region of high topography, appropriate wind conditions and 2 Gigawatt of generating capacity is planned. However, the United Kingdom Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty seismic monitoring site (CBTB) is situated at Eskdalemuir in the Scottish Borders. Concern was expressed that vibration from wind farm developments might prejudice the detection capability of this facility. The Ministry of Defence placed a precautionary blanket objection to wind farm developments within 80 km of Eskdalemuir. In order to assess vibration levels a 10 station broadband seismic network and a 4 station infrasound network were established for 6 months at distances out to 20 km from a 26 turbine wind farm situated on very similar geology and topography to Eskdalemuir and the planned wind farm developments. The study has permitted the identification of the principal propagation mode for ground vibrations from wind turbines and enabled their characterisation.