What does Scira mean?

The town of Sheringham is on the north Norfolk coast, with houses and shops down to the edge of the sea. But the ancient town of Sheringham, today known as Upper Sheringham, is the settlement listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. The town had various other names, such as Silingham, Siringham or Schyringham. As with many of Norfolk's town and villages, the name is of Scandinavian origin, meaning the 'home of Scira's people. Source: http://www.poppyland.co.uk/norfolk/sheringham.htm

Who is Scira Offshore Energy Ltd?

Scira Offshore Energy Ltd. is a joint venture between Evelop (The Netherlands) and StatoilHydro (Norway).

Evelop is the sustainable energy project developer with 6,000 megawatt one of the largest portfolios of renewable energy assets worldwide. Evelop is involved in developing and realising projects in fields such as: offshore and onshore wind, biomass, solar energy as well as seawater air conditioning and utility buildings and housing with integrated sustainable energy supply solutions. Evelop is also capable of operating and maintaining these projects. Evelop is part of Econcern, whose mission is: ‘a sustainable energy supply for everyone’.

StatoilHydro is a new Norwegian oil and energy company, formed on October 1, 2007 through the merger of Statoil with the oil and gas activities of Norsk Hydro. It is the world's largest offshore oil and gas company and combines strengths from both companies. The company recognises the need for greener, renewable energy sources in the future and has put major research and development resources into hydropower, offshore floating windmills, solar energy, wave power and hydrogen. For more information visit www.statoilhydro.com.

Are wind turbines noisy?

Modern wind turbines are generally quiet in operation, and compared to the noise of road traffic, trains, aircraft and construction activities (to name but a few) noise from wind turbines is extremely low. The Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farm is located approximately 11 miles offshore and therefore during normal operation of the wind farm, you will not be able to hear it from the shore.

Don’t wind turbines harm birds?

In building a wind farm ornithology experts and key stakeholders are consulted with respect to the location and design of any wind farm. Birds are rarely hurt or killed by wind turbines. Many studies have shown that most bird species are known to take evasive action to avoid collision. Climate change, cars and windows are a much greater threat to birds than wind turbines.

What about property prices?

There are 125 wind farms in operation in the UK today and there is currently no evidence available to show a link between house prices and wind farm developments. This will be reviewed in due course, as more wind farms are built.

What happens when the wind stops blowing?

The lights do not go out!
The Greater Wash was chosen as a suitable site for an offshore wind farm due to the good wind resource at this location. When the wind stops blowing, electricity continues to be provided by other forms of generation, such as gas power plants and wind turbines in other parts of the country, so there is no interruption to your supply of electricity.

Are wind turbines safe?

Wind energy provides pollution free electricity that doesn’t generate any greenhouse gases during its operation or produce any dangerous radioactive waste. Wind turbines are safe in their operation and Scira Offshore Energy works to the highest standards in the UK for environment, quality and health and safety.

Doesn’t wind energy cost a lot?

The price of wind energy in the UK has more than halved since 1991 and indications are that it is set to continue to fall. Wind energy is often competitive with that of energy generated from alternative sources.
If socio-economic and environmental costs are included in the cost of generating energy, then wind energy is often the cheapest form of energy to produce.

How long do wind turbines last?

A turbine typically lasts around 20 – 25 years. During this time some parts may need replacing.

Why build turbines offshore?

Wind turbines are placed offshore for several reasons. The natural wind resource is strong and consistent offshore and there is often a greater area available to install the wind turbines.
When building offshore, constraints such as noise are not as of great importance when building onshore, meaning that larger turbines with a greater output capacity can be used.