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Peddling windfarm myths
I WRITE in response to John Dowling’s letter in last week’s Independent, which unfortunately continued the depressingly repetitive peddling of various myths about onshore wind.
This is disappointing, because the case for renewable energy is absolutely clear. It will reduce our reliance on imported fuels, and it will result in substantial carbon savings – essential for the health of the planet and its inhabitants.
I am continually bemused by those who believe (or purport to believe) that on-shore wind is ‘expensive’, when DEFA has said - repeatedly and clearly – that the required investment will be privately funded, not taxpayer funded. On-shore wind is one of the most cost effective sources of electricity available, and unlike nuclear, coal and gas, wind developers receive no support until wind farms are working.
The on-costs to Isle of Man consumers has been calculated by the Government and by developers to be less than 1p per unit of electricity – and this by reference to current electricity prices, which are likely to rise. Thus those on-costs are likely to be quickly outstripped by increases in the cost of ‘traditionally generated’ (i.e. dirty) power, and so thus will help protect the Manx taxpayer against larger price rises in the future.
It should also be said that the MEA is entirely comfortable with receiving wind energy onto the grid. When every other country can do it, I’d suggest it’s a bit insulting to portray the MEA as being incapable of doing likewise.
On the Isle of Man, we’re talking about one small wind farm of seven or eight turbines.
The notion that this will turn the island into a wasteland is laughable, and I congratulate Mr Dowling on his sense of humour.
He also implies that wind power generation will impact badly on tourism, when studies on existing UK wind farms show that they actually attract tourists, or at worst have a wholly neutral impact.
Finally, Mr Dowling suggests there is an EU conspiracy to promote renewables.
In fact, whether he likes it or not, there is a global consensus that oil is running out and that climate change will lead to catastrophe without immediate action to curb emissions.
That’s why the UK, EU, and countries around the world are investing in renewable energy generation, and it’s why we at Isle of Man Friends of the Earth believe the same should be done locally.
CATHERINE TURNER
Energy spokesman for Isle of Man Friends of the Earth
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Weather for Isle of Man
Thursday 23 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: West
