Thanks Randy
So is the pollution caused by not recycling added into the “green” credentials?
Up here in Scotland they are an eyesore on numerous hillsides, I accept they may generate “clean” electricity but what is the real cost? Including, cabling to the grid, pollution making concrete for their bases, pollution making the roads to get them into the fields /tops of hills etc. There was big news about 18 months back when Scotland actually generated more energy in wind farms than consumed, but it was one day only, 40mph winds all day and the day was Sunday when offices and a lot of factories are closed.
They also generate a lot of noise and flashing light as the blades turn. (More pollution)
I am a sceptic that they are as green as the tree huggers think!
ian
Thanks Randy
So is the pollution caused by not recycling added into the “green” credentials?
Up here in Scotland they are an eyesore on numerous hillsides, I accept they may generate “clean” electricity but what is the real cost? Including, cabling to the grid, pollution making concrete for their bases, pollution making the roads to get them into the fields /tops of hills etc. There was big news about 18 months back when Scotland actually generated more energy in wind farms than consumed, but it was one day only, 40mph winds all day and the day was Sunday when offices and a lot of factories are closed.
They also generate a lot of noise and flashing light as the blades turn. (More pollution)
I am a sceptic that they are as green as the tree huggers think!
ian
Ian, what are you skeptical about? Clearly wind power requires trucks to transport the turbines, it requires a bunch of effort to pour concrete, etc. all things you say. Candidly, coal and gas power plants require that as well. Wind takes a lot of space / acreage for all the towers.. birds get killed by them, they only power when the wind blows, they have environmental impact. They also don't produce greenhouse gases.
I have used this example in the past but in the 60s pollution was so bad in some areas that rivers caught on fire:
On June 22, 1969, Cleveland's filthy river ignited for the 13th and last time. It and other American rivers are dramatically cleaner today.
www.nationalgeographic.com
Would we be better doing nothing? Should we try to advance some new technology that enables different power options to support our lifestyle? Or would you prefer to simply think what was created years (coal power plants) ago is fine, if that is the case perhaps we should go back to driving Ford Model Ts?
Perhaps the word "green" is just off-putting. Is it the eyesore of wind that makes you dislike it?
I wonder if there would be this much reaction if we finally figure out Fusion power which could be less environmental impact.
I just don't get the negativity against new ways to generate power.