Myths about wind power
Although undoubtedly
"green" there are several scientific reasons why Windpower is not an
efficient solution to meet a significant fraction of the UK's energy
needs. Here are some details taken from http://www.turbineaction.co.uk/energy-conservation.htm
National grid leakages
Using the National Grid to distribute electricity is inefficient - When
electricity travels along the national grid there are leakages into the
atmosphere. The UK wastes approximately 30 billion kWh of electricity a
year; this is equivalent to 8% of the national supply or the yearly
output of two medium-size power stations. It is almost double the
amount of electricity supplied by wind farms and hydroelectricity
combined (The Sunday Times, 31.08.03). Small
renewable energy projects that meet local demand and are close to the
point of use do not get government subsidies because they are not big
enough to connect to the regional electricity grid.
Government targets
Their target is 10% of electricity from renewable sources - mainly wind
power - by 2010, rising to 20% by 2020. According to energy experts,
this is an unrealistic goal because of the vast number of wind turbines
required and their need for 100% backup from traditional power plants.
Carbon dioxide emissions
It is better to reduce
the DEMAND for energy than it is to generate MORE energy via renewable
sources.
In view of possible energy shortages, the best way forward is to save
energy and to help reduce the growing demand for energy. Energy
conservation would reduce carbon dioxide emission and it would also be
the most economical option.
Mismatch of supply and demand
During periods of high pressure weather systems that bring cold winters
and hot summers, wind speeds are at low levels but demand is at its
highest. In other words, when demand is highest, wind power makes its
minimum contribution. The output from wind turbines, besides being
weather dependent and therefore unreliable and unpredictable, is
extremely low in comparison to conventional power stations.
Send
comments or questions to us via e-mail at
stopbeningtonwindfarm@yahoo.co.uk