The proposed wind farm at Mid Hill Farm in the Scottish Borders faces significant opposition from the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The MoD has lodged a formal objection, citing concerns that the project could pose an “unmanageable” risk to the UK’s nuclear test monitoring capabilities and military air operations. The development, proposed by Invenergy, the largest private renewable energy company in the United States, seeks to install 13 turbines, each up to 200 metres tall, along with an energy storage facility southwest of Hawick.
The site is located within the safeguarding zone for the Eskdalemuir seismic monitoring array, the UK’s only facility capable of detecting nuclear tests worldwide. The MoD’s objection highlights that the wind farm would severely impact the operation of the Eskdalemuir station, stating that it would create “an unmanageable impact on the operation and capability” of this critical monitoring facility. The seismic array is part of a global network, which relies on minimal interference to function effectively.
According to the MoD, current planning regulations include a 10 km exclusion zone and a 50 km safeguarding zone surrounding the array to mitigate risks from wind turbines. The MoD further outlined potential detrimental effects on national defence aviation systems, including adverse impacts on radar performance crucial for managing air traffic and military training exercises.
The objection notes that “there is no seismic noise capacity available,” suggesting that the introduction of additional turbines could elevate vibration levels beyond acceptable limits, jeopardising the station’s international monitoring role. The proposed wind farm falls within a tactical training area where fixed-wing aircraft frequently operate at low altitudes.
The MoD’s submission points out that “fixed-wing aircraft may operate as low as 100 feet (30.5 metres) above ground level” within this area. The addition of turbines poses risks as they could obstruct low-flying aircraft, leading to possible safety concerns. Turbines exceeding 150 metres would also need to adhere to specific aviation safety lighting requirements, which the MoD confirmed it would enforce if the project is approved.
Local residents have expressed their concerns, arguing that the region is already saturated with wind energy infrastructure. The MoD’s formal objection is expected to be a critical factor in the planning process, given the strategic importance of the Eskdalemuir station and the challenges associated with mitigating seismic noise and aviation interference.
Sarah St Pierre, a representative of the Borthwickwater Landscape Conservation Group, voiced strong opposition to the project. She stated, “This region has been inundated with large-scale wind farm plans. Now we are being asked to sacrifice not only our landscape but a critical part of the international security network that monitors nuclear activity. The Borders has done more than its fair share.”
St Pierre emphasized the implications of the MoD’s findings, noting, “What the MoD has now confirmed is that there is no remaining seismic capacity for further turbines and that Mid Hill would undermine both nuclear monitoring and defence aviation. At some point, we have to say enough is enough – this is not a suitable location, and these impacts are not trivial.”
The future of the Mid Hill wind farm project now hinges on deliberations between the developer and regulatory authorities, as the objection from the MoD raises fundamental questions about balancing renewable energy development with national security interests.
