Is it even green energy?
The debate about whether windfarms really combat climate change is complex and to reach a balanced view, you are best to search the internet for the various arguments . However, everyone should be aware of two issues that often get raised:
1. Will any normal power stations be closed as a result of an increase in wind farms?
We were initially advised that none would be because of the need for back-up power when the wind is insufficient to power all turbines, but we received by email an alternative statement you should look at, although the Chief Scientific Officer for Climate Change and Eon (see especially items 8-11 in their submission to the House of Lords Select Committee) seem to have a different view. The debate does continue to rage, however, as to the amount of contribution wind power can make to our overall needs (see Renewable Energy Foundation Comment on Government Strategy) , especially when the output is declared for publicity purposes as the amount of domestic electricity they will provide. Estimates vary, according to how these things are measured, as to what proportion of all UK energy needs the domestic market comprises and it keeps changing, but a 2009 government report suggests it is just over 50% (see source for this figure).
The balance between domestic and non-domestic consumption will continue to vary as domestic use increases (e.g. new housing) and decreases (e.g. better insulation, incandescent bulbs being withdrawn from sale and replaced by low energy types) and as industry use increases (e.g. coming out of recession) and decreases (e.g. energy-saving processes). The main thing is to be aware that any description of wind power contribution as a percentage of domestic needs should be roughly halved as a contribution to overall UK needs.
2. Is it true that each turbine is subsidised by taxpayers' money to the tune of £300,000 (as described in first link below – article from The Times).
This is not how it works. Essentially the windpower generating companies sell electricity to wholesalers at the normal market price, but receive certificates based on output that are then auctioned, with retailers being required to purchase a target figure of these certificates. In essence the windpower generating companies are then selling the windpower at a higher price, which the consumer will eventually pay for with higher bills from the retailers. What financial arrangements the generating companies, who usually take over the turbines after construction, make with the turbine construction companies is something we do not know, but it would (we think) not be fanciful to suggest that some of the higher price the generators will get for their electricity reaches the construction companies, otherwise the generators would be sole beneficiaries. For further explanation see this email we received.
However, no argument about the validity or otherwise of wind power as an energy source will be taken into account in the planning decision as to whether turbines can be built. The government has already decided on that issue for us, so no objection to wind power itself can form an objection to any local planning proposal. Our objection is that the proposed site between our villages is inappropriate, just as it would be inappropriate for a conventional power station, a landfill site, an incinerator and similar development.
For local energy plans, visit our Documents page, but the following additional links (which are far from being comprehensive on the subject) may be of interest:
The Times: Wind farms turn huge profit with help of subsidies
The system of carbon credits
Dominic Lawson in The Times
Letters to The Times: When the Wind Blows...
BBC News: Wind Farms
Farmers Weekly: The Big Debate
BWEA (British Wind Energy Association): Planning and Wind Energy
Scottish Government rejects largest British wind farm application
Roger Helmer MEP on Wind Energy