Is Wind Power a Big Con Trick? - Business - redOrbit

The case for producing more of our power through renewable means is well-made. Even without the threat from climate change, the pollution and waste that goes with burning fossil fuels is not sustainable in the long term. A more varied mix of generating options must be sought, as we move through the 21st century.

But wind energy, particularly when generated using land-based wind turbines in beautiful unspoilt landscapes, is a controversial answer to the question of how we keep the lights on when traditional forms of power generation are no longer considered viable. And today's report from the Renewable Energy Foundation detailing the subsidies and the shortcomings of wind turbines, ought to make everyone who is concerned about the environment and our power needs sit up and take notice.

It shows, in very stark terms, the shortcomings of wind turbines and makes a compelling case to suggest that but for the very generous subsidies available, no one would be investing in wind because it simply does not make sense to do so. The subsidies skew the energy market place and actually discourage funding for other, potentially more effective forms of renewable power.

At the heart of this argument, which has been raging for several years, is the relative inefficiency of harnessing the wind for energy. Impressive claims about the generating capacity of the average turbine begin to look decidedly shaky when average wind speeds are factored into the equation. Most turbines operate at just 27 per cent of full power, slashing a potential generating capacity of one turbine from 30 megawatts a day down to little more than eight megawatts.