Wind Power is a Complete Disaster

[DetroitDad]

http://www.windaction.org/opinions/20676

Flemming Nissen, the head of development at West Danish generating company ELSAM [[one of Denmark's largest energy utilities) tells us that "wind turbines do not reduce carbon dioxide emissions." The German experience is no different. Der Spiegel reports that "Germany's CO2 emissions haven't been reduced by even a single gram," and additional coal- and gas-fired plants have been constructed to ensure reliable delivery. Indeed, recent academic research shows that wind power may actually increase greenhouse gas emissions in some cases.

There is no evidence that industrial wind power is likely to have a significant impact on carbon emissions. The European experience is instructive. Denmark, the world's most wind-intensive nation, with more than 6,000 turbines generating 19% of its electricity, has yet to close a single fossil-fuel plant. It requires 50% more coal-generated electricity to cover wind power's unpredictability, and pollution and carbon dioxide emissions have risen [[by 36% in 2006 alone).

Industrial wind power is not a viable economic alternative to other energy conservation options. Again, the Danish experience is instructive. Its electricity generation costs are the highest in Europe [[15¢/kwh compared to Ontario's current rate of about 6¢). Niels Gram of the Danish Federation of Industries says, "windmills are a mistake and economically make no sense." Aase Madsen , the Chair of Energy Policy in the Danish Parliament, calls it "a terribly expensive disaster."

[d.mcc]

From SourceWatch:

The Industrial Wind Action Group proclaims that it is "dedicated to providing information on industrial wind energy to enable communities and government officials to make informed decisions."
While the homepage of its website implies it is neutral on whether wind power is a good idea or not, elsewhere on its website it is more explicit that it opposes windpower. The group was formed, it states, "to counteract the misleading information promulgated by the wind energy industry and various environmental groups. Support for this effort comes from a large and diversified group of environmentalists, energy experts, and ordinary citizens." [1] However, no specific individuals or organizations are listed anywhere on the website.

[oladub]

"There is no evidence that industrial wind power is likely to have a significant impact on carbon emissions.'

The above statement is counter-intuitive. Every bit of electrical energy dereived form Denmark's wind towers offsets whatever carbon emissions that would otherwise be derived from coal.

Norwegian hydro-power produced electricity goes right through Denmark en route to Germany. It's odd that Denmark wouldn't be buying some of that carbon-free generated electricity.

I don't think that Denmark produces coal but it does have wind. A self-sufficiency agument could be made that , at least, Denmark is not beholden to the will of other nations or companies. What's that worth? Putin has been teaching this lesson lately.

[ccbatson]

Not a disaster to all the liberals investing in an industry favored by tax dollars as the green future of energy.

[d.mcc]

Not a disaster to all the liberals investing in an industry favored by tax dollars as the green future of energy.

I tried to read what you had to say and all I saw was "blah blah blah, I just like to read my own words"

[Blarf]

If I money, I would definitely not invest in wind power.