Grafter
-
Posts
45 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Everything posted by Grafter
-
The reality of wind power! Over subsidised and overrated! http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1661284?UserKey=
-
Windfarms are not always good neighbours. Many of the proposed VE turbines are too near to homes. http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2010/02/19/2825235.htm
-
The peat issue is just one of many grounds for objecting to VE proposals. It is of course not ideal to have to disturb peat but there aren't really any other significant grounds for objecting to Total Wind power is so unreliable it is essential to have back up resources. Gas is one of these and if non-nuclear options are the only choice using gas is essential for the country to have stability in energy supply. The potential is also there for some of this gas to be used to supply local demand.
-
With all this cold weather all over the country and very little wind anywhere as can be verified by looking at http://en.allmetsat.com/metar-taf/united-kingdom-ireland.php?icao=EGPM should we thinking about relying on wobbly wind as a major source of power? Not there when we need it most!! There wouldn't be much from wave power either. We simply cannot put too much reliance on renewables without more reliable backup. Also why are Viking Energy getting excited about Beauly-Denny when the proposed interconnector goes to Blackhillock, a long way from Beauly. Blackhillock is more conveniently situated to make use of the East coast power line.
-
1. B 2. A 3. B 4. B. Unreliable energy source. 5. B 6. B 7. A B C
-
Good result at Aith! 110 against, only 15 for!
-
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/jul/28/shetland-windfarm-protest-rspb This seems to be a balanced resume of the story so far. There will obviously be a lot more mileage in this as Viking Energy struggle to overcome the many deficiencies in their plans. It would seem that a public enquiry is a near certainty with the consequent delay to the project. By that time the Tories will be back in power nationally and they are much less sympathetic to the wind industry! Here's hoping that this project will eventually end up in the dustbin where it fully deserves to be.
-
http://www.shetland-news.co.uk/2009/June/letters/Every%20voice%20counts.htm should give you a clue as to AT really is!
-
Here is an interesting idea, better than tearing the hills up!! http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8085551.stm?lsm
-
A few thoughts on the current windfarm debate. It is fairly apparent that in the main areas affected by the windfarm the majority of the population are opposed to the plans especially in Aith and Weisdale. Due consideration should be given to their views over those of people who are not in the immediate windfarm area. Vic Thomas's excellent letter http://www.shetland-news.co.uk/letters_05_2009/Only%20one%20chance%20to%20object.htm has brought home to me that this not really a community windfarm. Our councillors are amongst those being conned! Conflicts of interest abound in this whole sorry affair showing just how dangerous it is for local authorities to try to be major players in energy supply. I feel that it is wholly inappropriate for a local authority to try to borrow vast sums of money in a somewhat risky venture. It is certainly not what councillors are elected to do. It is one thing to invest money that you have but quite another to borrow money in the hope of a future bonanza which is by no means guaranteed. There are also serious issues about councillors representing the views of their constituents when they are directors of the company involved. 2 of the 3 North Mainland councillors are in this position. What is the point of any of their constituents contacting them when they are unable to contribute to any debate about the windfarm.
-
A good article on the realities of wind power. Pity the politicians are so obsessed by it. It can only be a bit part player in the energy equation. Why scar the landscape for little gain? http://news.scotsman.com/opinion/Gerald-Warner-Wind-turbine-revolution.5297730.jp
-
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1172230/Are-wind-farms-lot-hot-air--windy.html An interesting article about wind power and its place in the energy mix.
-
^^^^^ With wind power you need these as well to ensure constant supply of power !!!
-
Anyone seen the latest pamplet from VE? Grossly exaggerates the supposed benefits of their proposal and barely mentions the negative aspects. I would hope that people will not believe their 'spin' without looking very closely at the very significant negative aspects and risks associated with this development.
-
^^^ My goodness, this windfarm just gets better and better!! However even this 'world beating' wind resource is still highly variable and will not necessarily supply power when it is needed. You still need back up when the wind does not blow. Wind power can only be a bit part player in the energy equation. I don't think that the windmills will operate smoothly throughout their working life. For instance gearbox problems are common. Construction and grid connection costs will most likely be much higher than estimated so that the projected profits, if any, will be lower. As mentioned in a previous post projected profits are largely unsubstantiated. Since AT is so much in favour of the windfarm I assume that he will be looking to buy a house in Voe where he will be able to see windmills whichever way he looks!! The opinions of people who may have to live in or near such a large windfarm need to be considered properly before the VE plans go any further.
-
Why have Viking Energy not updated their rather basic website with details of their forthcoming tour displaying their latest proposals? Are they trying to keep it as low key as possible to minimise opposition? Their lack of meaningful engagement with anyone who has questioned their plans over the past year or so does them no credit.
-
An interesting article about wind power and how inefficient and very expensive it is. http://www.energytribune.com/articles.cfm?aid=1029
-
I thought that the Shetland Times did quite good features on the windfarm debate. The absence of comments on the articles would seem to confirm this. Both the pros and the antis would seem to be satisfied. I see that VE representatives are off to some Wind Energy conference. Perhaps some nice person will point out to them that Shetland is not a suitable place for this kind of development. In spite of the the obvious but still highly variable wind here the problems with the terrain and the transmission distances make this a highly questionable proposal.
-
The new Tesco store has a very good range of gluten free foods. Their prices are quite reasonable too. Well worth a visit if you are on a gf diet.
-
It is a bit more sensible to approve wind farms near where the power is needed. As far as the Shetland windfarm goes I see the interconnector cable survey is underway off Weisdale Voe. I am surprised that VE have not heralded this in some way. They seem to be keeping a very low profile at the moment. They are probably going to rush through the planning process as fast as possible in an attempt to minimise opposition.