Wind Energy and renewable energy blog

Oil Dependence is no longer justified

Oil Dependence is no longer justified, European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) conference delegates were told this week.

Continuing to depend on expensive oil for energy is a losing proposition, Denmark’s Minister for Climate and Energy told people attending the opening session of EWEA2011 conference this week in Brussels.

“Let there be no doubt, the new energy reality is here,” Lykke Friis said. “We simply must end our oil addiction.”

Friis said political leaders must act without delay to capitalise on wind power and other renewables.

Britain Hits 5 Gigawatts of Wind Power

British Renewable Energy trade association Renewable UK announced this week that the UK has reached the milestone of 5 Gigawatts of installed wind power.

The announcement comes as another offshore wind farm is commissioned in UK waters off the coast of Kent.

Thanet wind farm comprises 100 Vestas wind turbines each rated at 3 Megawatts. Thanet owner and operator Vattenfall say it is the largest operational wind farm in the world.

Google Invests In Wind Power Technology

Green solutions and technologies are needed now more than ever. Yet, many continue to be hard to find and implement on a broad scale.

Sustainability efforts from large corporations are increasing, yet our dependence on fossil fuels remains steadfast. Mining and drilling for fossil fuels can be dangerous and costly, and the planet is constantly reminding us that it’s the one paying the price. It’s here that we see plenty of opportunity for clean and renewable energies to become part of the landscape. With the right funding and investment, renewable energy technology like wind power could help turn the tide when it comes to environmental concerns.

Do Wind Turbines Work?

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.

Oxford Proposes City Wind Turbine

A recent wind turbine proposal for the city of Oxford has sparked up the debate about where it is appropriate to locate wind turbines.

The proposal between Cowley works and Horsepath was announced last week by Oxford City Council and renewable energy developer Partnership for Renewables.

Oxford City Council say the site is capable of hosting a single commercial wind turbine. Local Councillor John Tanner said: “Wind turbines are a beautiful way of helping to tackle climate change with renewable energy. This Horspath site is a first for Oxford and a practical contribution to creating a low carbon city.

Wind Farm Opponents Promote Inaccuracies and Lies Says BWEA Chief

Chief Exec of the British Wind Energy Association has accused wind farm opponents of peddling a series of inaccuracies, half-truths and lies.

The Independent on Sunday published the interview with McAffery after the wider press ran with a story about the recently invented phrase ‘Wind Turbine Syndrome’ last week.

McAffery pointed to a 2004 World Health Organisation report which showed that wind power was one of the most benign forms of electrical generation in terms of direct and indirect health effects. Her frustration is apparent as she says “despite this wealth of scientific evidence, the myth persists that wind energy is harmful…”

$560m Wind Turbine Contract for Siemens

Wind turbine manufacturer Siemens snapped up a $560m order for 80 turbines off the northern coast of Germany yesterday.

Airtricity’s Butendiek offshore wind farm is located 34 kilometres off the coast of Sylt in Northern Germany. The offshore site has a water depth ranging from 17-20 metres and one of the best wind resources off the coast of Germany.

Wind Powered Moving Skyscraper

Architect Dr David Fisher has designed the world’s first wind powered skyscraper. The moving building, would have 80 independently rotating floors, has been mooted for Dubai with a second 70-storey structure planned for Moscow.