The first windfarm ever opened in the Craven area of the Yorkshire Dales only operates at 8.7 of its potential ability, according to a report published in the Sunday Times yesterday (March 21).

The farm, by the Chelker Reservoir in the hills above Skipton, is the second most inefficient wind generator in England, according to figures collated by scientists at London Metropolitan Business School.

The most inefficient, at Blythe in Northumberland, operates at only 7.9% efficiency, says the report. Both these are relatively old projects but even modern installations rarely generate more than 50% of the power output claimed when operators apply for planning permission - and the norm is between 25-30%.

The report will be received with delight by protestors in the Gargrave area of the Dales who last week won a major victory when planning permission was refused for a massive new windfarm.

The report will comes as a major snub for the Government, which wants to put thousands of windfarms inland, for the scientists says that the companies involved only build the farms to gain the massive subsidies on offer.