Glasgow Airport is benefiting from a new radar system upgrade as a direct result of the development of Banks Renewables’ Kype Muir wind farm in South Lanarkshire, Scotland.
Part of the planning process for the 88.4MW wind farm, which is due online in the Spring, was to provide a solution for the air traffic control systems at the airport, situated around 45km from the project site.
The old radar systems were unable to differentiate between the radar signatures of moving turbine blades and those of aircraft.
However, technology developed by Terma System that is able to distinguish between turbines and aircraft has been installed on behalf of the airport by National Air Traffic Services (NATS) at the airport.
Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “It’s great to see Glasgow Airport hosting the launch of this new radar system, which is a significant development for aviation safety.
“The new radar is able to distinguish between aircraft and wind turbines situated at Kype Muir wind farm, and this technology will be invaluable with the ever-growing sustainable energy sector.”
Banks Renewables technical director Andrew Liddell said: “We’re especially thankful to Glasgow Airport for engaging with us to deliver the new radar.
“This means that not only will our new wind farm stay clear of any radar detection – but other new wind farms may also benefit from this regional solution.
“We also acknowledge how proactive and instrumental the Scottish Government has been in helping deliver such a positive outcome.”
Glasgow Airport managing director Mark Johnston said: “We are very pleased to announce that the system is now fully operational.
“For the last three years, the Airport’s planning team has been worked extremely hard with our partners from NATS and Banks Renewables to develop this wind turbine mitigation solution in what is a very complex and safety critical environment.
“As well as resolving the issue with Kype Muir, the mitigation may also have the potential to resolve issues with other future wind farm proposals, which can only be of benefit to Scotland’s renewable energy sector.”