Electricity “Generating Capacity”

For example, Ontario has currently nine operating “wind farms”, each of which has a number of wind turbines ranging from a few to about a hundred with a combined output capacity of close to 1100 megaW. Their output is continuously measured and these data are available, on an hourly basis on the web site of the Independent Electricity System Operator in Ontario. The data show that, on average, the output of these wind farms is in the order of only 8% of the stated or nominal capacity

The Denmark example

Denmark is widely cited as a great example for electricity generation from wind power. Indeed, Denmark creates approximately 20% of its electricity from wind turbines. However, it cannot safely use that amount. In fact, only in the order of 5% of Denmark’s electricity consumption comes from wind. The other part (15% of its total electricity) must be exported to avoid destabilization of the grid. This is possible only because its nearby neighbours (particularly Germany) have much larger electricity needs than Denmark and can absorb that wind generated power into their grids without problem.

Despite all that “free” electricity from wind, the Danes enjoy one of the highest electricity costs in the European Union, approximately double the rate found in most of the other EU countries. In fact, the Chair of Energy Policy in the Danish Parliament called it “a terribly expensive disaster.” Furthermore, in terms of carbon dioxide emissions, electricity from wind, when accounted for in full, produces more CO2 than other energy sources. Denmark’s CO2 emissions rose well over 30% in the year 2006 alone.

via Electricity “Generating Capacity”.

Wind turbines: ‘Get used to it,’ says minister Duguid « Wind Concerns Ontario

It’s interesting to see that because there seems to be financial action on the manufacturing of turbine blades, and that Siemens now has cut a deal with Samsung for 600 MW of wind generation, that this is an indication that wind energy has validity, so we better get use to it. Set aside the fact that wind worldwide only provides 1% of the electrical needs after 15 years of hefty European subsidies at 200 times the rate received by any other source of energy. To hell with the idea that places like Germany and Denmark only get 5 to 7% of their electrical needs from wind turbines despite installing 20% of their capacity with wind. Who cares that the industry receives these subsidies for the next 20 years and desecrates prime agricultural land, bird and bat populations and does nothing towards reducing GHG emissions or reducing the use of coal. Clean energy is nothing but a dirty lie! and we are being duped.

via Wind turbines: ‘Get used to it,’ says minister Duguid « Wind Concerns Ontario.

Green Party of Canada Seeks Epidemiological Study on Wind Turbines and Health « Wind Concerns Ontario

I personally would like to see a full investigation into the wind industry and see how  their overblown claims about clean, green, and free can be substantiated with real world data.

via Green Party of Canada Seeks Epidemiological Study on Wind Turbines and Health « Wind Concerns Ontario.

More than half Britain\’s wind farms built where there is not enough wind | Mail Online

This does not come as a surprise to me, in the least.  The subsidies are so rich with these that any location will provide a windfall.  (sorry for the pun!)

via More than half Britain\’s wind farms built where there is not enough wind | Mail Online.

Wind farms have noise detectives on the prowl – The Globe and Mail

Wind farms have noise detectives on the prowl – The Globe and Mail

via Wind farms have noise detectives on the prowl – The Globe and Mail.

As Quebec bathes in electricity, money goes down the drain – thestar.com

Hydro-Québec recently forecast a surplus of 7.7 terawatt hours (TWh) for 2011. Less than the 10 TWh for this year, but still, that’s enough electricity to power 770 billion 100-watt light bulbs for an hour.

“We’ve got electricity through the wazoo,” says Daniel Breton, an energy activist with a group called Maîtres Chez Nous – 21st Century, which seeks independence from fossil fuels.

via As Quebec bathes in electricity, money goes down the drain – thestar.com.

So my question is why do we need to have wind turbines and solar panels??

National Wind Watch | Video: Shadow Flicker and Noise

Note that noise  and flicker is not always an issue depending on the time of year, weather conditions.  Very difficult to pinpoint when these incidents will happen.   It is estimated that a resident will experience noise problems approx. 35% of the time and that approx. 10% of the residents will be affected.   What is disappointing to read in many articles is the willingness of non effected residents and officials to let this happen all because the wind industry has been very effective in promoting that wind energy will provide clean, green and free energy.  If you’ve read other sections of this blog, you will soon realize this is not true!

via National Wind Watch | Video: Shadow Flicker and Noise.

Offshore Windpower – Environmental Registry Posting « Wind Concerns Ontario

Please make an effort to comment on the registry about wind turbine in the Great Lakes.   Remember wind energy is a huge waste of time since it is unreliable, innefficient and hugely expensive.  Note that 2 of the 4 major migratory routes in N.A. cross at Lake Erie.  There are plans for 500 turbines in this lake. 

via Offshore Windpower – Environmental Registry Posting « Wind Concerns Ontario.

Return of the \’Climate Chancellor\’: Merkel Tries to Regain Upper Hand in Energy Debate – SPIEGEL ONLINE – News – International#ref=nlint

Looks like Chancellor Merkel has gotten herself in a pickle over renewables and nuclear. 

via Return of the \’Climate Chancellor\’: Merkel Tries to Regain Upper Hand in Energy Debate – SPIEGEL ONLINE – News – International#ref=nlint.

Wind Watch: More than half of Britain’s wind farms have been built where there is not enough wind

With these generous rates for electricity what does one expect.  Developers will exploit any kind of location.

via Wind Watch: More than half of Britain’s wind farms have been built where there is not enough wind.