[Will]

Three new reports counter the argument that the 'unreliability' of wind make windfarms 'inefficient':

http://www.theecolog...nd_message.html

[NLys]

Will, on 17 July 2009 - 10:14 AM, said:

Three new reports counter the argument that the 'unreliability' of wind make windfarms 'inefficient':

http://www.theecolog...nd_message.html

Anything commissioned by the Yes-to-Wind stable (Greenpeace, FoE, WWF) has to be regarded with the greatest suspicion.

Nearly all reports find what their commissioning bodies wish them to find!

It takes a lot of spin to interpret the National Grid and Poyry reports as wholly positive. The Poyry report is based on some hefty assumptions - including that work on improving the nation's energy efficiency is carried out, that carbon capture technology and CHP systems are more widely used, and that barriers to new renewable energy generation projects are broken down.

Having said that, the report said a margin of 25%-35% beyond expected demand levels will be needed for UK capacity to be secure and made some interesting observations on standby generation costs.

Even then, having said that major demand-side work will be needed, including a focus on energy efficiency to reduce energy consumption, it concluded: "If the above issues are addressed effectively, there is little or no need for large-scale investment in conventional baseload technology in the period up to 2020."

Start stockpiling candles and gas bottles if government follows that sort of advice!