Wind turbines being used to power motorway junction lighting

Amtmann

Just noticed a planning notice up at J10 of the M8. South Tipp Co Co intend to erect what they term "small-scale wind turbines" to power the lighting at M8 junctions 9 and 10.

Anyone know anything more about this?

PseudoFamous

Are the wind turbines a separate structure from the lights, or are they attached to each?

If they're attached to the actual lighting, Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens has both a solar collector and a miniature wind turbine installed on each of their lights in the carpark. Haven't got a picture, but I might be going up there over the weekend, dependant on weather, so I'll snap a few pictures if I can. They seem to work, anyway.

Amtmann

Interesting. I didn't see anything about the turbine specs. I suppose it would make sense to attach them to the light poles, if it were possible; but would planning permission be required in that eventuality?

Chris_5339762

I am typically very against wind turbines as they are awful and inefficient noisy blots on the landscape, but I do think putting turbines (and solar) on each of the lights at a motorway junction makes good sense.

NITransport

but I do think putting turbines (and solar) on each of the lights at a motorway junction makes good sense.

I think it's good the Co Co are doing this, but to have a solar and wind receptical on each and every light on a junction would probably be a maintenance nightmare when you consider the amount of turbines required. Plus, where would the energy be stored?

I'd assume its going to be a small group of wind turbines such as these located at some Tesco's and business parks, at one site which will power both junctions lights.