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A FLAMING WIND turbine blade almost sparked a forest fire in Cork after it was thrown several metres from the machine.
The cause of the fire the wind farm in Cork is currently under investigation.
A flaming 28-metre-long blade from one of the turbines flew as far as 100 metres away from the machine and landed close to nearby gorse and forestry.
The turbine, a Gamesa G58, is a common model in operation across the world, but industry experts say it has ‘a strong safety record’.
The incident occurred at the Cappaboy Beg Wind Farm in Co Cork on 19 June.
A spokesperson for Bantry Fire Station told TheJournal.ie their main aim was to contain this fire, to ensure it didn’t spread to forest and gorse. The turbine was completely destroyed.
They said it took ‘a couple of hours’ to bring the blaze under control due to dry conditions caused by a spell of good weather.
Similar incidents, known as “blade throws”, can often occur during very high wind speeds.
However, this incident, first reported by the Cork News (P10), occurred in relatively calm conditions but during one of the hottest spells so far this year. A peak of 280MWs of electrify was produced on the day of the incident.
Prolific
A source close to manufacturer Gamesa told this website that they are one of the most prolific machines with a ‘great reliability record’, and that there is little suspicion that it was a technical failure.
It is understood an investigation is currently under-way.
The source explained that turbines are complicated industrial equipment containing a large amount of electronics.
“Rare combination”
“You can have a spark and an oily rag, some rare combination like that”, he said, “It was a hot day with little wind and so a lot of dust could have accumulated.”
He added that it is unlikely that blades on these common turbines would be thrown a large distance during a fire.
“They’re made of plastic, and will simply melt,” he said.
“The turbines themselves are build on hardstands consisting of rocks. Any plastic, or other material, that falls down is unlikely to spread.”
Late last year, a Gamesa turbine at a separate farm close to Killybegs was the subject of an investigation after a blade tip snapped off, reNews reports.
However, this incident occurred during high winds.
An owner of the wind farm and the Irish Wind Energy Association both declined to comment on last month’s incident
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Wow I don’t even think sinn fein will miss this one.
@john s: He’s very popular, so they’ll miss the votes.
@Chin Feeyin: You mean he was very popular. I’m not so sure now
@Chin Feeyin: not one political party will knock on his door.
@john s: I’d say some far-right parties will contact him, they’re all mad for the MMA.
Dunce.
He seemed like a nice lad when he was fighting, but good god – he’s an absolute melt when it comes to politics.
So he decides not to renew his membership, as opposed to the party actually taking a stance and removing him. Typical stuff, hurling from the ditch at everyone else but happy to have head the balls like this as councillors as long as they drag in a few votes. About time they sorted out their party membership if they’re ever going to be taken seriously as a government contender. Wasn’t there another one convicted of kidnapping and waterboarding someone over the sale of a motorbike? Lovely folk.
@OnlyHereForTheComments: Suppose you could say the same about the blueshirts.. Tanaiste under garda investigation. The fact the acting Minister for Justice stated Varadkar has done nothing wrong is at the least a conflict of interest and do you seriously believe FFG/ Greens should be considered a serious government.
@OnlyHereForTheComments: yes he was thrown out of the party well in advance of being convicted. He had claimed he was bullied out and was backed by many of the FFFG media and reps at the time.
@Colin Kavanagh: “Thrown out of the party” and into a cushy job working for Christy Burke? Doesn’t seem like they threw him very far….
He seemed like the political equivalent to that mate who starts sharing content about 5G
Clown
It’s a pity he’s no longer a member. He was a perfect example of how low they will stoop to have someone elected.
Looks like the canary off of the carbon monoxide ad
How is he controversial, he’s a good family man who does a lot in his community? Shameful headline.
@Seosamh: “How is he controversial”?! Have you ever listened to him?!
Next we will hear of bould Paddy will be at a Gemma Rally.
Another lad on the dole.
Conor will give him a job.
He has gone away, I know.
I wonder did his party send the heavies around to the house to have a word. They have a habit of doing that with vocal councillors.
@GrumpyAulFella: You mean like the FG councillor who knocked on the door of a 70 year old man in Limerick over a Facebook post?
Mother a jayziz, would ya look at that…
Suspendered all activity…how kinky of them!
even too much of bi got for the bi got party
His ideas are more suited to a right wing party like FG
Could at least have spelled his name correctly under the photo. Holloman. Lol
@Ronan J Walsh: Paddy The Hollowman Hooligan O Holohan
His a head de ball
Mad as cheese!
A rush of Rare Blood to The Head l Guess
Such a loss
have your say