The Ministry of Defence has lifted objections to a number of potential wind energy projects in southern Scotland.

Following discussions between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), MOD and Scottish Executive, a solution has been found to concerns that wind farms planned near the Eskdalemuir seismic array could interfere with the array’s role in monitoring the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

All applications must still go through the normal planning and consent process.

Researchers at Keele University found turbines have no effect on the equipment if they are sited farther than 17.5km from the seismic array, and the ministry has reduced its exclusion zone to 10km. Any turbines within 17.5km of the site will have to be specially modified.

The British Wind Energy Association’s head of Onshore Wind, Chris Tomlinson said the decision was "a swift and effective solution that could deliver a significant contribution towards the UK's renewables target for 2010".

MOD Under Secretary of State Don Touhig said the research had allowed the MOD to lift its concerns with a significant number of proposed wind turbines around Eskdalemuir. "The way forward, based on the excellent research carried out by Keele University, protects the capability of the array thus allowing us to continue to comply with our obligations under the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty," he said. "This has, from start to finish, been a splendid example of open and joined-up working to solve a complex issue."

Meanwhile, the MOD is undertaking flight trials over wind farms in Wales to demonstrate a technical solution that if successful, will be used to iron out objections to wind farms from the Ministry of Defence (MOD), National Air Traffic Services (NATS) and individual airport operators. This research could have a positive impact by freeing up a significant number of potential wind farm sites that are currently sterilised.

UK Energy Minister, Malcolm Wicks said: "The precautionary approach taken by aviation stakeholders up until now has quite rightly prevented the construction of any inappropriately sited wind farms, but it has also meant that wind farms cannot be developed in many locations because of the presence of radars."

"The combined efforts of the wind industry, aviation sector and the government will I hope soon result in more locations where wind energy can sensibly be developed, a welcome step forward in the programme to combat climate change."