Debunking Myths
There are many myths about wind energy circulated by those opposed to renewable energy in general or wind turbines in particular. Some are so outlandish that it’s hard to imagine people believe them, others are more subtle requiring a degree of technical background to refute. Since I began my career in this field four decades ago I have tried to focus on the facts–both the promise and pitfalls of wind energy. The links below explore these myths and the topics on which some myths are built.
Bird Society Leads by Example: Operates Large Wind Turbine at Headquarters
By
Paul Gipe
In early 2016 the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) installed a large wind turbine at their headquarters in central England. The 100-meter (330-foot) tall turbine was installed at the Society’s headquarters in Sandy midway between Milton Keynes and Cambridge.
The untold story of how windfarms help keep the lights on
By
Dave Toke
The UK press has been full of stories implying that wind power is to blame for the National Grid having to call in expensive demand shedding measures recently to keep the lights on. What they will not tell you is how often wind power saves the UK consumer large amounts of money because the National Grid does not have to buy in expensive reserves of power. Also they do not tell you that wind power in fact has quite a substantial contribution to effective firm power station capacity.
Energy Payback: Comparative life cycle assessment of 2.0 MW wind turbines
By
Karl R. Haapala and Preedanood Prempreeda
The energy payback period for the two turbine models are found to be 5.2 and 6.4 months, respectively.
CBC: Ontario election 2014: Vote Compass users reveal split on wind power
By
Paul Gipe
Vote Compass users overall say wind energy should be a significant source of Ontario’s electricity supply mix – but that view is not shared by respondents who identified as supporters of the Progressive Conservatives.
Truth Out: Anti-Wind–Stealing our Sympathy
By
Sarah Taylor
If we allow ourselves to be deceived by the fossil-fuel industry and their fabricated worries about birds, then we will be refusing to look the future squarely in the face. We must end our addiction to fossil fuels, and work to establish clean, renewable alternatives. . . The birds and bats will thank us.
DECC survey reveals massive support for onshore wind compared to nuclear and fracking
By
Dave Toke
As detailed below, the Government’s survey shows that the public is much more supportive of onshore wind – the technology they are determined to curb – compared to the technologies to which they want to give incentives, namely nuclear power and shale gas.
