Wave beats wind

Published on 02/08/2012 00:00

I READ about Mainstream Renewable Power’s proposal for a 450 megawatt wind farm off the Fife coast (your report, 30 July).

It is stated that this will be enough to power 325,000 homes, as an example. Also, it is stated that this would be 3.7 per cent of Scotland’s electricity demand.

Am I missing something, not being an engineer? What happens when the wind does not blow?

It is now fully understood that wind electricity supply is intermittent and can be as low as 25-30 per cent efficient.

What takes up the slack, so to speak? Obviously, the more intermittent supply is the more gaps there will be.

I think the development of sea power, as covered in your paper (31 July) , is a much better idea and I trust far less obtrusive.

G W SteWart

Clachhan Seil

Seil Island, Argyll