Numerous reports have now been published saying wind turbines work and can make an important contribution towards the UK’s energy needs.
Prominant energy analyst David Milborrow published a new report back in June which the wind energy industry hoped would put to bed the question of whether wind turbines work.
The report confirms that wind energy can substitute for thermal plant and enable the British power system to operate with the same level of reliability. According to Milborrow, Utilities worldwide generally agree there is no fundamental technical reason why “high proportions of wind cannot be assimilated without the lights going out”.
Contrary to what is sometimes banded about in the mainstream media, the findings demonstrate that widespread use of wind power leads to a significant reduction in carbon emissions. In addition variability in wind energy does not mean costs will be substantially higher.
Despite this detailed work carried out by a recognised energy expert, a few politicians appear unwilling to believe it. According to the Goole Courier this month MP David Davis, and MEP Godfrey Bloom think wind turbines are “visually horrific, inappropriate and ineffective”.
Wind energy accounts for just under 20% of Denmark’s electricity production and today almost half of the wind turbines around the world are produced by Danish companies such as Vestas. Despite these facts Godfrey Bloom MEP for Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire said: “They don’t even work. The Denmark experiment has been a disaster. This is all about political correctness accompanied by greed.” So where is Bloom coming from?
Davis opposes them for “economic reasons” although apparently supports offshore wind turbines at three times the cost.
Speaking a recent public inquiry against a 10 turbine wind farm in Yorkshire, it became clear that both Bloom and Davis hold a general scepticism about global warming – and according to one attendee cited reports on ‘recent global cooling’. Trying to help those at risk from the effects of global warming will be very difficult if people still hold these views.
Greenpeace have put together a useful easy to read summary which answers some of the key questions about the effectiveness of wind energy. Read one of their recent articles on the potential effects of climate change. It is of course the poorest (out of sight) countries who are likely to suffer the most, however there will also be people on these politicians’ doorsteps who may well be homeless as a result of increased flash floods in the UK.
