Letter: Don’t rely on gales
Thursday 24th November 2011, 10:59AM GMT.
I am rebuked by Robert Saunders for questioning a Department of Energy and Climate Change press release without checking the website.
He’s right, it does say that renewables provided 9.6 percent of grid demand in the second quarter of this year.
But I could find no source data for the 9.6 percent or even a breakdown by fuel.
So I’m forced to use National Grid’s Balancing Mechanism Reports to find actual contribution to grid demand by fuel type.
These reports are the basis for paying the various generators, be they wind farms or nuclear plants. I queried the 9.6 per cent because it contradicts the National Grid figures.
I support renewable power generation provided it’s reliable. Unfortunately, UK governments are besotted with building unreliable wind turbines instead of hydro-electric projects such as the tidal power Severn Barrage proposal.
I’m afraid if Mr Saunders thinks that in the foreseeable future he will be able to rely on wind instead of fossil and nuclear fuels, he perfectly demonstrates the difference between hope and expectation.
Roger France, Muxton
UK News
Most Commented
- Clampdown on Shrewsbury chuggers
- Bishop's gay marriage views do nothing to support bible teachings
- Planners ordered to stay on Newport visit bus
- Letter: Angered by close encounter of the furred kind
- Letter: Alcohol price plans annoy me
- Shrewsbury’s broadband speed one of slowest in UK
- Letter: No sense in overseas job adverts
Shropshire Star on Twitter
Keep updated with the latest breaking news and content on our Twitter feed.
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Shropshire Star and Express & Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
Entertainment
All the film reviews
Before you plan a trip to the pictures, get our critics' verdicts on all the latest movie releases.
OUR NEW APP
Get the new Shropshire Star app
Download the Shropshire Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.
shropshirestar.com
Popular sections
Useful links
The point about wind is that every kilowatt generated by wind is one less kilowatt that we need to provide by burning coal or oil or gas. You are correct that wind will never be a solution on its own, but it makes other sources last longer.
Report abuse