Onshore Wind: Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI)
Onshore
Onshore wind turbines can cause electro-magnetic interference (EMI) in two ways:
Interference that ‘scatters’ signals and can lead to a phenomenon called ‘ghosting’ on television screens.
Interference, caused to communications equipment, such as mobile phones.
Where interference to television reception are predicted developers are frequently required to enter into legally binding agreements to rectify any problems. In the majority of cases developers have been able to remove the interference.
Interference on communication systems are considered to be negligible due as these are more easli avoided by careful wind farm design.
EMI consultees
A large number of organisations are consulted to help assess the potential for EMI as a result of wind energy proposals, including:
- Defence Estates Organisation
- Civil Aviation Authority
- Ofcom
- National Air Traffic Services
- Channel 5
- Independent Television Commission
- Cable & Wireless
- ntl
- Crown Castle
- BT Radio Solutions
- Vodafone
- one2one
- BBC
- Scottish Executive Emergency Communications
- Radio Safety Maritime and Coastguard Agency
- Northern Lighthouse Board
SDC Report
The Sustainable Development Commission (SDC): Wind Power in the UK report was launched in May 2005. Full details of their findings on electromagnetic interference can be viewed in this report.