Are windfarms the only way?

William Oxenham, Edinburgh. Shropshire Star www.shropshirestar.com 27 November 2009

 

Wind farmsAs a regular holiday visitor driving through Shropshire to West Wales I have been saddened by the growing number of unnecessary windfarms along my favourite routes.

The excuse for constructing these monstrosities is that they "combat climate change".

It is not explained that they are supposed to do this by reducing the carbon emissions from a fossil-fuel power station nor is it explained that since the wind does not blow at the required strength all the time, and sometimes does not blow at all, then each windfarm has to be partnered by a fossil-fuel station ready to supply electricity when the winds fail and to supply the necessary carbon emissions for the windfarm to reduce when the winds pick up again.

Furthermore, it is not mentioned that since the average "Load Factor" of an onshore windfarms is only 25 per cent then the windfarm can only ever reduce the carbon emissions of its partner fossil-fuel station by a measly 25 per cent.

It is worth noting that replacing the fossil fuel plant with a carbon-clean nuclear plant will reduce the emissions to zero and eliminate the need for four windfarms - as well as the partner fossil fuel station!

These facts seem to have bypassed the thought processes of politicians who appear to be more concerned with manipulating expenses than they are with supplying us with a carbon clean, reliable electricity supply.

 

William Oxenham

Edinburgh

Shropshire Star

www.shropshirestar.com

27 November 2009

 
Wind means more C02

Article by Jo Stimpson New Civil Engineer www.nce.co.uk 26 November 2009

 

Over-reliance on wind power could scupper government plans to cut carbon emissions by 2050, consultant Parsons Brinckerhoff warned this week.

The firm warned that extra back-up power generation capacity would be needed to pick up shortfalls in wind generated electricity during calm weather. The most cost effective and fast response solution would be gas fired power stations, but these generate high levels of CO2.

Read more...
 
Wind turbine noise rules are 'out of date'

Article by Alastair Jamieson Telegraph www.telegraph.co.uk 26 November 2009

 

Noise level regulations for wind turbines are 11 years old and fail to address the impact of new technology that has allowed larger and louder sites, a pressure group has warned. 

Environmental Protection UK say turbines are now so large that the noise generated by turning blades is affecting more nearby residents.

The charity, which campaigns to minimise noise pollution as well as reducing air pollution and emissions of greenhouse gases, believes changes in technology are not being reflected in current local government planning guidelines.

Read more...
 
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