Sir, - What a delight to read at last an authoritative letter on the subject of invidious wind turbines.

David Clarke (D&S letters, May 16) has highlighted the facts and figures which so clearly demonstrate that the whole campaign is a complete fiasco.

There is one outstanding question which I have repeatedly asked, without any reply from the turbine lobby. How many turbines, covering what area of (say) North Yorkshire would justify the closure of just one fossil-fuel-burning power station?

I suspect the answer which has been studiously avoided is that such a replacement will never happen, for very simple operating reasons.

The whole business of electricity supply is based on the ability to meet a regularly fluctuating demand. There are two clear peak demand periods every day, the first around breakfast time, the second in the late afternoon and early evening.

Power stations are kept on standby at other times, so that they can be brought into full production at quite short notice to meet such surges. How can anyone whistle up a wind at just the right time and at just the right strength to match such flexibility? What are we supposed to do with electricity generated at times when it isn't actually needed?

So how will green house gases be reduced? By ceasing the manufacture of useless monstrocities destined to clutter up the countryside.

A BRENNAN Goodwood Close, Sadberge.

Darlington & Stockton Times