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.
Esperance Wind farms take precedence in utility generation
By
Neville Selby
Most of the time, Esperance uses all the electricity the wind farms produce, and the power station makes up any shortfall so that a reliable supply of electricity is always available.
Le bruit de l’éolien, rumeurs, cancans, mensonges et petites histoires—A Review
By
Paul Gipe
Wind Turbine Noise: Rumors, Gossip, Lies, and Stories– is a lovely little book–56 pages—I’ve had on the shelf for some time with the intent of reviewing it for its insights on the nature of rumor-mongering and wind energy.
Iceland Review: Icelanders Support Wind Energy Poll Shows
By
More than 80 percent of Icelanders support the construction of wind turbines for energy production, as indicated in a recent survey carried out by Capacent Gallup on behalf of Landsvirkjun, the national power company.
Trout Unlimited: Why Trout Fishermen should be excited about Wind Turbines
By
Shane Cross
As sportsmen we support oil and gas producers who develop energy responsibly. And we should support renewable energy projects that will help reduce climate change and protect our hunting and fishing resources.
LBNL: Analysis of the Effects of Wind Energy Facilities on Surrounding Property Values in the United States
By
Berkeley Lab analyzed more than 50,000 home sales near 67 wind facilities in 27 counties across nine U.S. states. In summary, the research did not find any statistically identifiable impacts of wind facilities to nearby home property values.
Renew Economy: How wind displaced coal in Spain
By
Giles Parkinson
Goldman Sachs says Spain is a good example of how increases in renewable energy production has to be offset by a lower average load among fossil fuel plants. “Rising generation from solar plants in particular (whose output often coincides with the time of peak power demand) can result in lower peak power tariffs, undermining the profitability of many conventional power plants,” it says.
