Windy times ahead
James Glennie of the Wind Energy Association puts the case for wind very well in the Herald this morning. He argues:
I don’t think anyone reputable in New Zealand has ever claimed wind energy to be more than a very good energy source to have alongside others.
The critics seem to acknowledge its benefits but say that technical reasons mean it might never provide more than, say, 20 per cent of our generation.
That is hardly an argument against wind energy, just an acknowledgement that all energy sources have their advantages and disadvantages.
The question is really what the nation thinks is the right mix of energy sources, whether they be hydro, geothermal, wind, gas, coal, oil or anything else.
Wind turbines are an attractive part of the mix because in New Zealand they can supply large amounts of cheap electricity and can do so using an inexhaustible natural resource.
They do so without the emission of large amounts of climate-changing gases and without increasing our dependence on imported or domestic fuels, both of which are rapidly depleting.
So, if you hear of a plan for a wind farm in your neighbourhood, be sure to jump on the clean energy bandwagon…
June 27th, 2005 at 5:40 pm
I continue to get annoyed when I read again that wind power is limited in scope as its an interrupible source, and thus cannot exceed some magic percentage of the country’s power generation
What NZ needs is a better demand control model so that we can make use of interruptible power, for space heating, electric vehicles etc, all of which will be coming (or bwcoming more common) over the next few decades
June 27th, 2005 at 7:18 pm
One thing, which greens have a long history of fighting, is the use of hydro for storage as well as for primary supply.
I don’t agree with this being interpreted as a “rule” for greens. If good use is to be made of wind, means of storing energy need to be constructed, and the grid needs to be strengthened to allow energy to flow from places where the wind IS blowing to places where it is needed and to allow individuals to sell power back to the utilities.
Storage is essential in such scenarios. To level peak loads and to absorb excess when it is available, storage is essential if the best use is to be made of the wind we have.
That doesn’t mean that some places cannot be spared being drowned, only that the rule isn’t “hydro bad” even though it IS renewable.
respectfully
BJ
respectfully
BJ