A great deal of hot air is generated on this issue. Wind power is hailed (incorrectly) as the answer to all our energy problems. It isn't. Using renewable sources of power obviously makes sense as a contribution to our overall energy needs, but using wind power to the exclusion of everything else is dotty.

 

EDF, owners of Hinkley Point, has just announced plans to build nine huge wind turbines on land right next to the M5 and the River Huntspill.

 

These plans are crazy. The windmills would be visible for miles and contribute little to the power needs of the area. It is precisely the kind of piecemeal development that should not be allowed - let alone on the frequently water-logged Somerset levels. The best place to put windfarms is out at sea (read my latest article in the Western Daily Press)

 

Meanwhile, this is what the wretched things would look like on the Levels.

Thanks to Mr K for sending in these pictures

Just a few miles away another firm is planning another set of windmills. 

Where is the strategic planning in all of this?

It may be instructive to read the latest report from the Renewable Energy Foundation about the efficacy of wind power. The data is all from reliable sources. The overall story is not very encouraging for wind advocates. Most turbines are inefficient. Dont take my word for it

read the facts for yourself .

 

A Midlands company called Encraft has conducted detailed research in Warwickshire into the effectiveness of urban and suburban windmills. The results so far are gloomy. Many of the existing windmills couldn't fire up a low voltage light bulb. And one or two deliver absolutely nothing at all.

 

Do you want more turbines? Are you convinced by the economics?

CONTACT ME

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There are websites waxing lyrical about windfarms and websites bemoaning them:

Those in favour:

• http://www.embracewind.com/index.html
• http://www.bwea.com/
• http://www.yes2wind.com/

And those against:

• http://www.huntspillwindfarms.org.uk/
• http://www.knolltowindfarm.org.uk/index.htm
• http://www.warmwell.com/windfarms.html
• http://www.rspb.org.uk/policy/windfarms/turbulent.asp

I have absolutely nothing against wind power provided we all realise the limitations. You can buy a mini turbine to stick on your own roof. David Cameron MP has got one. Have a care, though. They are costly and may not deliver savings to your pocket or the planet. The latest estimates suggest that it would take more than one lifetime to save enough energy to cover the costs of buying one!

• http://www.eclectic-energy.co.uk/
• http://www.micropower.co.uk/