Affiliated groups
Transition Town Market Harborough
Market Harborough Friends of the Earth
Northants Friends of the Earth
AMSET Centre
Leicester Friends of the Earth
Nuneaton Friends of the Earth

Compared with fossil fuels and nuclear power, renewable energy that harnesses the sun, the wind and other natural energy flows is relatively benign. In particular, very few pollutants are emitted per unit of energy generated. Moreover, renewables provide a diverse, secure and inexhaustible source of energy. Coupled with a programme of improved energy efficiency, renewable energy displaces finite or less benign energy sources in response to peak oil and climate change.

All energy systems have an impact on the natural environment. It is inevitable, therefore, that conflicts of interest will arise between providing energy services and ensuring that people, wildlife and open spaces are adequately protected. The environmental impacts of most renewable energy technologies are considerably less than those of the current energy systems they displace. Visual intrusion is sensed only by humans, but nevertheless is extremely important. If there is an understanding of the benefits of a particular installation, then the physiological and aesthetic impact is likely to be favourable.

The Pro Wind Alliance (ProWA) is an association of local individuals and groups who are convinced that renewables are vital for the future and who are therefore in favour of developing properly designed local renewable generating capability. In particular, ProWA supports current wind energy proposals in Harborough District and Daventry District, including the windfarms at Swinford, Gartree and Yelvertoft. ProWA aims to provide objective information, backed by sound research and references.

Interesting Reading

• Document dispelling some of the myths surrounding wind power
  

• Wind Power Fact Sheet produced by Friends of the Earth 

• Wind Power in the UK (166-page report published by the Sustainable Development Commission)

• Paper entitled The Political and Ethical Case for Renewable Energy

• WWF-UK policy position on wind power

Local links
Swinford Windfarm proposal
Swinford Env. Statement
Gartree Windfarm proposal
Daventry/Yelvertoft Windfarm proposal

Burton Wold Windfarm
BWEA East Midlands planning seminar
EMRA publications

Other relevant  links
Guided tour on wind energy
BBC: Turbines 'no risk to farm birds'
Wind Power in the UK DVD
The Oil Crunch report (Oct 08)
UK Renewable Energy Strategy
BERR 'Planning renewables' website
British Wind Energy Association
Pickens Plan (U.S.A.)

Join the energy revolution

Contact
To register your support or ask for further information,  
please e-mail us at contact@prowa.org.uk  
or ring Grahame Jordan on 07938 033 647