Turbines

28

Megawatts

56

SPR Airspace Change Proposal

We are progressing an Airspace Change Proposal (ACP-2023-008) in line with the Civil Aviation Authority’s CAP1616 regulatory guidance, with the intention of implementing a temporary Transponder Mandatory Zone (TMZ) around our Mark Hill operational windfarm in South Ayrshire – which is situated in Class G airspace. The trial will be active for a maximum period of 6 calendar months. The trial start date will be dictated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The purpose of this trial is to test an Aircraft Detection Lighting System (ADLS) with the aim of proving the concept of using these on our turbines and to provide safety related information to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), who are the statutory body overseeing and regulating all aspects of civil aviation in the UK.

This airspace change will support a six-month data collection trial where we will test and validate the ADLS technology. It is hoped that, subject to successful outcome of the trial, the safety and verification evidence gathered will support future regulatory approval for requests for ADLS deployments, under the CAA ‘Reduced Lighting’ criteria, and inform new CAA policy and regulations.

This ACP is being carried out in accordance with CAA requirements and details of the proposal, including all previous work undertaken can be found on the CAA airspace change portal via the following link: ACP-2023-008 (opens in a new window)

ADLS Trial

As wind turbine technology continues to advance, more efficient assets with varying sizes are being considered for prospective development projects. ADLS is one form of mitigation that can be used to minimise the visual impact of turbine lighting on sensitive landscapes by only activating the turbine lights when aircraft are within a specified distance from the windfarm.

Where turbines exceed 150m in height to tip, the CAA requires them to have red obstruction lighting to ensure the structures are visible to passing aircraft.

Innovative technology, known as ADLS involves sensors being fitted on the turbine nacelle, which can detect when an aircraft is entering and exiting the vicinity of a windfarm and then activate or deactivate the lights fitted as part of the system to ensure visibility.  As an alternative to current lighting used on large infrastructure for aviation purposes, ADLS can be used to minimise the impact of aviation lighting on the surrounding landscape whilst ensuring the safety of aviators.

During our trial at Mark Hill Windfarm, there will be no impacts from turbine lighting as those assets do not currently have red obstruction lighting due to being under 150m in height nor will any lights be fitted as part of this technology trial.

If you have any questions in relation to the ACP or trial, please contact: spr_temp_acp@scottishpower.com