Wind farm madness

Published on Monday 30 June 2008 22:19

Indeed there will be no debate on wind power (Debate & Opinion, 27 June). This is the month in which the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee has started to publish the huge volume of evidence it has received on renewable energy and yet, before it reports, the Westminster government has forged ahead with proposals for enormous additional numbers of turbines.

The most conservative suggestion would represent more than 10,000 megawatts maximum output on a windy day but very little on a calm one. Last month it was reported that E.ON UK had said: "It would require up to 90 per cent of ... backup from coal and gas plants to ensure supply when intermittent renewable supplies were not available".

The paradox of building wind turbines is that proper power stations must be built to support them – an economic madness and certain to negate much of the control of emission.

(DR) JOHN ETHERINGTON

Llanhowell

Solva, Pembrokeshire

Land use planning is often criticised for its alleged complexity. But its basic principle is sound and simple. Decisions should be taken on the overall balance of public benefit, and not the maximum financial advantage to the developers and/or site owner.

So your editorial comment "Windfall crop for farmers?", and Bill Jamieson's article on wind farms are correct. It would indeed be wholly wrong if onshore wind development were driven by the private financial interests of the power of the companies and landowners.

RONNIE CRAMOND

Oswald Road

Edinburgh