Europe’s Ill Wind is a film about the views of people living near existing or planned wind farm developments. Their objections have been dismissed by the wind industry, government and pro-wind campaigners as selfish NIMBYism, leaving unanswered many questions about the reliability and environmental credentials of wind energy.
This site is under construction. In the near future, we will be publishing more information about the views in the film, and links to many further sources of information. There will also be an extended version of the film and extended interviews with the people who have appeared in it.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FILM
Video on realities of British wind energy here
1. What are people’s objections to windfarms?
People’s first objections to wind farms are the despoilment of British natural heritage and fantastic scenery, the noise and nuisance during and after construction and effects on tourism and house prices. However, objectors soon learn that wind farms simply do not work as they are intended. They do not reduce CO2 emissions or provide a reliable electricity supply.……………..read on!
2. Do windfarms produce a reliable electricity supply?
No. Wind turbines have rated maximum power outputs, typically 1.8 MW, but because wind is variable, the output of wind turbines also varies according to the wind speed (measured in m/s).[1]
Wind speed
(meters/second) |
Description |
Turbine output as
%age of installed capacity |
| 7.5 |
moderate breeze |
26 |
| 9.0 |
fresh breeze |
46 |
| 10.5 |
strong breeze |
69 |
| 15 |
gale |
maximum |
| 25 + |
storm |
0 — shutdown |
It is claimed that the wind supply will not be interrupted because it is always blowing somewhere, but this is not the case. Often areas of high pressure cover the entire of Western Europe, meaning there is very little or no wind. (more…)