England And Australia Draw T20 Series After Washout
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the BBC.
This is the sub-heading.
England and Australia’s T20 series ended in a draw after the third match at Old Trafford was washed out.
This is the first paragraph.
Heavy rain throughout the day in Manchester prevented any play and the series ends 1-1.
Who was the idiot, who decided to have a series decided, in a city, where it always rains?
It’s not bright in London, but they could have had a game in my road.
Ireland Joins Forces With EIB For Offshore Wind Port Upgrades
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Irish Department of Transport have established an advisory cooperation to assess capacity, demand and financing strategies for the development of port infrastructure for offshore wind projects in Irish waters.
These are the first two paragraphs.
Signed by the Irish Minister for the Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan, and EIB Vice President Ioannis, the advisory cooperation aims to evaluate the scale and nature of investment needed to upgrade Irish ports.
The initiative is said to unlock an estimated EUR 30 billion in investment in offshore wind projects in the country which plans to have 20 GW of capacity installed by 2040 and 37 GW by 2050.
It looks to me, that the Republic of Ireland will become a big player in the production of electricity from offshore wind.
I also suspect that Northern Ireland will play its part too!
I Had My Fifth Endoscopy Yesterday And The Fourth Without A Sedative!
After two at Addenbrooke’s in Cambridge, this was my third endoscopy at Homerton in East London.
The most difficult part was not eating for eight hours before and only drinking water for four hours before.
I have mild anaemia and they were looking for cancer.
Luckily for me, they didn’t find any.
I did however lose nearly a kilo in weight.
Was that the diet or the long walk to the bus, which took me home?
Endoscopies At Homerton
On their information, they sent me, Homerton said they prefer to do endoscopies without a sedative.
I suppose it is more efficient, as Addenbrooke’s told me nearly thirty years ago.
Conclusion
I am certainly not worried about endoscopies and if your doctor says you have should one, make sure they talk you through it sensibly.
Years ago, I was on holiday in Capri and met a party of about six American gastroenterologists, who were horrified, that I had had two endoscopies without anaesthetic.
But then, I think they were more worried about the fees, that the anaesthetist didn’t get.
When Homerton investigated my gallstones, I said I’d be happy to undergo the procedure without a sedative, although, the specialist private surgeon, doing the procedure for the NHS, was accompanied by an anaesthetist. In the end the anaesthetist just stood by, in case he was needed and the surgeon did his first endoscopy without a sedative. He was very pleased with everyone’s performance including mine.
Are Motorists Set To Be Charged For Using The Rotherhithe Tunnel?
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Highway News.
These are the first two paragraphs of the article.
Despite TfL commissioner Andy Lord insisting there were “no plans” to start charging drivers to use the Rotherhithe tunnel, concerns are mounting that road tolls could be imposed on a third river crossing in east London,
According to the Evening Standard ‘critics’ suspect that many motorists will divert to the 116-year-old tunnel, which lies east of Tower Bridge and links Rotherhithe and Limehouse, when £4 rush-hour tolls are introduced next Spring at the Blackwall and new Silvertown tunnels.
As I understand it, to use the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels, you will have to register with TfL AutoPay system, so tolling will be automatic.
It looks to me, that if journeys were to be charged for the Rotherhithe tunnel, then this would not be the most difficult of propositions.
The article also says this about the maintenance of the Rotherhithe tunnel.
But he suggested this could change if money had to be raised to repay the cost of a long-awaited upgrade. At present, the tunnel is closed every Monday night for maintenance.
I certainly, wouldn’t rule out a London Mayor in the future charging for traffic through the Rotherhithe tunnel.
Some London bridges, like Hammersmith, are also very much in need of repair. So perhaps, temporary tolls could be applied to raise money for the upgrades!
Conclusion
I suspect Spring 2025 will be an interesting time for motorists needing to cross the Thames, to the East of Tower Bridge.
Centrica Strikes 200MW Lithuanian Green Power Deal
The title of this post, is the same as that of this press release from Centrica.
This is the sub-heading.
- Centrica Energy is set to take on the responsibility of managing and trading the renewable power generated from two wind farms and one solar farm in Lithuania for European Energy.
A couple of months ago, Centrica published this press release, which is entitled Centrica Acquires Owner Of Leading Digital Platform, Ignition.
The press release about the deal with European Energy has this quote from Kristian Gjerløv-Juel, Vice President of Renewable Energy Trading & Optimization at Centrica Energy.
We’re very pleased to continue building on our strong partnership with European Energy. We have set an incredibly ambitious target to expand our portfolio of third-party renewable assets to 30 GW by 2030.
Note that 30 GW, would more than power the UK,
Ir appears to me, that Centrica have decided that there is money to be made from good management of both electricity production and distribution.
Sadiq Khan: Prisoners Should Jump Queue For Housing
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article from The Times.
This is the sub-heading.
The mayor of London said prioritising those released would help to cut reoffending
I know politicians can make rash and barmy statements, but this must surely be one of the most ridiculous.
But then Khan likes wasteful, ridiculous policies like renaming all the lines of the London Overground, that I wrote about in Khan’s Stupid Plan To Rename The Overground Lines.
This is a comment to the article.
Do time for violent offences or drug trading. Obtain early release to make space in prisons for people who have posted hurty words on social media. On early release, jump the housing queue.
Surely this is stating the obvious.
Freightliner Offers Single Container Transport By ‘Carbon Reduced’ Trains
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Railway Gazette.
These two paragraphs explain the service.
Freightliner has launched its ECO90 booking service which enables customers of any size to reduce their carbon emissions by sending as little as one container on trains powered by alternative fuels.
The trains currently use hydrotreated vegetable oil, and Freightliner told Rail Business UK that other options could be available in the future, A certificate confirms that the fuel is fully traceable and from sustainable sources, and a Scope 3 carbon emissions report is provided.
It will be interesting to see if this service succeeds.
I suspect that in the future, the service’s biggest competitor will be the hydrogen-or electric- powered truck, which will offer an end-to-end zero-carbon service with minimal cargo handling.
SSE Announces Construction Of Aberarder Wind Farm
The title of this post, is the same as that as an advert on my online edition of The Times.
Click the advert and you get this page, with the title of this post.
This is the sub-heading.
Aberarder secured 15-year CfD in UK Allocation Round 5
These three paragraphs give more details of the wind farm.
SSE has taken a final investment decision to proceed with Aberarder Wind Farm in the Scottish Highlands, in a circa £100m investment boost for its onshore wind portfolio.
Construction of the 12 turbine, 50MW wind farm, which is wholly owned by SSE Renewables, will begin before the end of the year with completion scheduled for the end of 2026. The Aberarder project was successful in September 2023 in the UK’s fifth Contract for Difference (CfD) Allocation round, securing a 15-year contract for low-carbon power generation.
Located at Strathnairn near Inverness, on a natural plateau at an average of 700m above sea level, the Aberarder project site sits directly adjacent to the operational 94MW Dunmaglass Wind Farm, which is jointly owned by SSE Renewables and Greencoat UK Wind.
It would appear that a £100m investment in the Scottish Highlands will get you a fully-operational 50 MW wind farm.
These are my observations and thoughts.
SSE’s Project Overview Of Aberarder Wind Farm
These four paragraphs are SSE’s project overview from this page on the SSE Renewables web site.
The Aberarder Wind Farm project is located in Strathnairn near Inverness, on a natural plateau at an average of 700m above sea level. It will sit directly adjacent to the operational 94MW Dunmaglass Wind Farm, which is jointly owned by SSE Renewables and Greencoat UK Wind.
The project was developed by RES and consented by The Highland Council in April 2017. The consent allows for the construction of a 12-turbine onshore wind farm, with each turbine having a maximum tip height of up to 130m and is expected to have an export capacity of 49.9MW. SSE Renewables reached an agreement with RES to acquire Aberarder in October 2022.
In September 2023 Aberarder was successful in the UK’s fifth Contract for Difference (CfD) Allocation Round and was awarded a 15-year contract for low carbon power generation. SSE took a final investment decision to proceed with Aberarder Wind Farm, in a circa £100m investment in May 2024, construction is scheduled to begin before the end of 2024 with completion scheduled for the end of 2026.
Our focus is now on building strong and meaningful relationships with the local community surrounding the Aberarder Wind Farm. As a responsible developer and operator, we are looking forward to working closely with the community in surrounding area to fully realise the benefits of this exciting project.
Construction has now started and it would appear that in two years, the twelve-turbine wind farm will be producing power.
SSE’s Description Of Dunmaglass Wind Farm
These four paragraphs are SSE’s description from this page on the SSE Renewables web site.
Located to the south east of Inverness, on a natural plateau at an average of 700m above sea level, Dunmaglass is SSE’s highest wind farm to be constructed.
SSE acquired the project from RES in May 2013 and initial enabling works began in the summer of 2013 which included the upgrading of 11km of tracks and the construction of two timber deck bridges.
Highland contractor RJ McLeod was awarded the £16m main civil works contract in summer 2014.
Dunmaglass became fully operational in 2017.
This paragraph also illustrates the challeges of the It looks like the construction of the larger Dunmaglass wind farm.
The height at which Dunmaglass is located presented its challenges during construction and the winter months brought high winds and plenty of snow. The site was fully completed and handed to the operations team in 2017.
Surprisingly, the legendary Highland midges didn’t get a mention.
The Sale Of 49.9 % Of Dunmaglass Wind Farm To Greencoat UK Wind
This sub-heading outlines the sale.
In February 2019, SSE sold 49.9% of Dunmaglass to Greencoat UK Wind PLC as part of a deal in which Greencoat acquired a 49.9% stake in both Dunmaglass and the nearby Stronelairg wind farm.
This paragraph gives more details of the sale.
In February 2019, SSE signed agreements for the sale of 49.9% of Dunmaglass wind farm to Greencoat UK Wind Plc (“UKW”). This sale was part of a £635m deal in which Greencoat acquired a 49.9% stake in both Stronelairg and Dunmaglass wind farms. The stakes equate to 160.6MW (megawatts) of capacity, with an average valuation for the two wind farms of around £4m per MW. This valuation demonstrates SSE’s ability develop quality, low carbon assets and infrastructure vital to the GB energy market.
The interesting figure is that SSE was paid £4m per MW for the interest of 160.6 MW, that they sold.
Aberarder wind farm is a 50 MW wind farm and it appears that it will cost £100 million to build.
If after a couple of years of operation, the wind farm is worth £4 million per MW, then SSE have doubled their money.
Does this illustrate, why the professionals like SSE and Greencoat UK Wind invest in wind farms?
- SSE would have taken the risk, that they could build the wind farm.
- SSE have the engineering skillsto do an excellent job.
- Greencoat UK Wind are buying into a producing asset, with a known cash flow.
SSE also get more money to build more wind farms.
Where Are Aberarder And Dunmaglass?
This Google Map shows the site of Aberarder wind farm with respect to Inverness.
Note.
- Inverness is at the top of the map on the waters of the Solway Firth.
- Aberarder wind farm is marked by the red arrow.
- Aberarder is a hamlet to the North-West of the wind farm.
- Drumnaglass is a shooting estate to the North-West of the wind farm.
- Loch Duntelchaig is the main reservoir for Inverness.
This second Google Map shows the Drumnaglass wind farm.
Note.
- Drumnaglass wind farm has 33 turbines and a capacity of 94.05 MW.
- There is a track network of 11 km. linking all the turbines.
- A good proportion of the turbines can be picked out on the map.
It would appear that Aberarder wind farm will lie to the South-East of this wind farm.
Aberarder Wind Farm To Fort Augustus
In Cloiche Onshore Wind Farm, I talked about the 130.5 MW Cloiche wind farm and its future construction to the East of Fort Augustus and Stronelairg wind farm.
This Google Map shows the position of Aberarder wind farm with respect to Ford Augustus.
Note.
- Loch Ness runs across the North-West corner of the map.
- Fort Augustus and Stronelairg wind farm, are at the Southern end of the loch.
- The red arrow shows Aberarder wind farm.
- Foyers pumped hydro is on the Eastern bank of Loch Ness, at about the same latitude as the Aberarder wind farm.
- The lake at the bottom of the map, to the South-East of Ford Augustus, is the Glendoe Reservoir, that powers the Glendoe hydroelectric scheme.
There are certainly, a lot of SSE-owned and/or SSE-controlled assets in the area and I wouldn’t be surprised, if SSE integrated them more closely, or added a few more wind farms.
Why Are SSE Advertising The Start Of Construction?
SSE have been advertising for some time on The Times web site.
As they are not a retail energy company anymore, as they sold their retail business to OVO, the advertising, is probably about spreading a good corporate message and getting their strategy broadcast.
Orpington Station And The 358 Bus
This morning, I went to Orpington station, to look at the preparations for the 358 bus and took these pictures.
Note.
- Orpington station is a eight -platform station with full step-free access.
- There are three bay platforms.
- The platforms are long.
- There was no sign of the new Irizar ie Trams, that will be used on the 358 route.
- The charger had been installed.
Transport for London have said the new vehicles will be running in Summer 2024.
But then TfL’s promises, must be taken with a large pinch of salt.
Slough Multifuel Energy-From-Waste Facility Begins Operations
The title of this post, is the same as that of this news item from SSE Thermal.
This is the sub-heading.
SSE Thermal and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), partners of a new energy-from-waste facility in Slough, have entered commercial operations ahead of schedule.
This section from the news item describes the operation of the plant.
Slough Multifuel will produce electricity and heat through burning waste-derived fuels made from various sources of:
- municipal solid waste
- commercial and industrial waste
- waste wood
The 55 MW facility will divert thousands of tonnes of waste away from landfill. It will convert it into a valuable source of energy. The facility is expected to process around 480,000 tonnes of residual waste each year. The station will support the UK Government’s strategy to reduce landfill waste and the export of waste.
Effectively, it is a sophisticated state-of-the-art incinerator, that has been built by Hitachi Zosen Inova.
In an ideal world, everything would be recycled and there would be no landfill or incineration.
But that would only be possible in a green fascist state.
The Anonymous Widower 