There was a meeting held last October where the local council considered all the facts and documents that were collected.
Taking into account the adverse affects on the natural environment, the tourist industry and the local population the proposal was unanimously rejected.
I haven't heard of anything since, but that's not to say that the proposers will so easily accept public opinion.
Message posted by Bill on 10 January 2010 at 4:39pm - IP Logged
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There was talk a couple of years ago about a wind farm near the top of the Pantokrator. With my journalist hat on I contacted the company concerned and asked for further information - never heard anything back though!
The company behind this was 'enova' and if you're interested their article relating to it a 24MW wind farm on the island of Corfu and the application for 4 MW solar project in the same location can be found here fourth item down.
Message posted by Susanna on 10 January 2010 at 6:49pm - IP Logged
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The Dutch society in Corfu is collecting signatures against a proposed windfarm off the north west coast of Corfu. I had heard about the proposals for the one on Pantokrator (though it should have been finished by now if their publicity is to be believed), but have not heard anything about the sea-based farm. The Dutch residents seem to think it is being kept quiet on purpose so that it can all be passed and approved before any local dissent can be heard.
As long as Corfu does survive mostly on tourism, I think it is extremely important not to introduce anything that destroys the appearance of the island (how I hate the pylons that cross the middle of the island, for instance), on the other hand we need to think of preserving the environment as well. Dilemma, or what?
Susanna
Message posted by Lavinia on 10 January 2010 at 7:59pm - IP Logged
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Completely agree Susanna. The pylons are horrendous.
I used to live next to an enormous wind turbine (just one) on a hill in the south Cotswolds and drove past it often on my way to see my very elderly mother in a Nursing Home and actually grew to love it. There was something very majestic about it reacting to nature, still on hot, sunny days and whipping around like the clappers in the wind. Of course it stirred up public opposition initially but everyone accepted it in the end.
I honestly believe that we all have to do what we can to produce natural energy. My three solar panels on the roof of my side, ground-floor verandah produce all the hot water needed in summer and I just wish I could have a small wind turbine behind my house to produce a winter equivalent. If the turbines were set far enough out to sea and far enough north-north-west, I can't see the problem. Obviously no-one would want to spoil the view across the Corfu channel to the Albania mountains but out to sea?? Presumably it would depend on the prevailing winds? In a place like here with strong winds and strong sunshine, we surely should take every advantage of the opportunities offered? As Susanna said in another post, if only half of us make a real effort, at least it is a start!
Message posted by Bill on 10 January 2010 at 8:31pm - IP Logged
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Given the number of gales we've had recently I think a decent sized wind farm here could power half of Greece!
Difficult call I agree. Personally I think that the ecological benefits must outweigh the potential visual disturbance. The massive turbines off the English coast are quite stunning once you get used to the different horizon.
If they were placed several kms off the coast on the west they would hardly be instrusive, surely...?
Message posted by Lavinia on 10 January 2010 at 8:45pm - IP Logged
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Dear all
I had a look the plans back in May 2009 and to be honest I thought they can not be serious of planing to buid a wind farm up here just off Peroulades, these towers are over 300 feet high and somewhere in the region of 100 + to be errected, could you imagine the veiw from Logas beach. I know there is a big petion going around, so if you do see them by the supermarkets, please sign if you object....
Message posted by Sunnypop on 10 January 2010 at 9:46pm - IP Logged
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They can look incredibly impressive and almost elegant- wherever they are built someone will object, understandably, but they have go somewhere- whether on a Cornish hillside (an equally beautiful area relying on tourism) or out at sea.
The main thing to decide is where they will function best, and ensuring that advantages outweigh objections
Message posted by C4owner on 10 January 2010 at 9:54pm - IP Logged
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Lets be realistic about this, Corfu needs energy and as far as I am aware, relies on it's power from the mainland, if I'm wrong, please correct me.
A wind farm could make it (potentially) self sufficient in electricity which can't be a bad thing surely?
Having lived with the view on the North East Coast of England of a large coal fired power station (Cambois) which was pulled down when it reached it's design life and can now see some offshore turbines (not enough to replace it though)near where it stood, I know which I would rather look at
A wind farm, any day
Given the economic climate in Greece, the large downturn in tourism in general which Corfu relies on, how would a wind farm be that detrimental?
It wouldn't stop me personally from visiting Corfu and I suspect it wouldn't put others off either.
Message posted by Lavinia on 10 January 2010 at 10:15pm - IP Logged
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Sunnypop, the link was in French not Greek but the company appears to be pretty clued up re the environment. I haven't read the whole thing in depth, just skimmed through it (I speak French), but I can't see any particular reference to Corfu?
Message posted by Bill on 10 January 2010 at 10:34pm - IP Logged
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I think Sunnypop an extra 'w' crept into your link. Try it here instead - I've put it into an English translation too.
Having read the website details, the proposals do sound excessive - they speak of more than 300 x 168m tall x 4m span turbines being put around the north/north west coast. The arguments against them include the electomagnetic pollution and devastation of natural habitat for marine species. I must admit the number of units does sound excessive.
I'm all for sufficient to serve immediate needs. I wouldn't mind having turbines in my line of vision at all if they were ecologically and economically viable, even. They would also generate some much needed employment locally. However, this seems to be massive scale commercial wind farming purely for profit sake, they would produce far more power than Corfu and it's immediate neighbours could use...
Message posted by Sunnypop on 10 January 2010 at 11:56pm - IP Logged
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Lavinia....where are you looking? I am a Greek speaker and that is as Greek as it gets!
Rocky and Bill, thanks for pointing out the extra 'w' I've rectified the original link now, just in case they miss your correction. But I am at a loss as to where Lavinia is reading a french article, any ideas? The article we are reading is clearly Greek with a graphic impression of NW Corfu.
I have heard that the two councils involved have turned the project down.
Message posted by bobbo on 11 January 2010 at 12:00am - IP Logged
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I got the link in Greek, and the visual impact certainly seems tremendous - more than 300 of them. The petition claims that they will interrupt communications between the three Diapontian islands and be visible for 40 kms. Although I do agree with Jan that they are not necessarily ugly in themselves, they look to be too close to the islands not to cause noise pollution.
Isn't the whole idea of wind energy suspect, anyway? I seem to remember reading that the benefits are not necessarily guaranteed. Must check with my more knowledgeable son.
Susanna
Message posted by Lavinia on 11 January 2010 at 2:50am - IP Logged
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Sunnypop, I wasn't trying to be difficult, I just clicked on the link you gave us! I have now read it in French, English and Greek and have to say it is pretty horrific. BUT I would like to wait to hear what Susanna's son has to say on the subject as he is an expert.
Am I right in believing the main objection is to the size of the project (which is massive)? If this is the case maybe a better defence would be to try to encourage alternative sea/land sites for several smaller wind farms round the island? Many areas spring to mind but where do all of you suggest?
I still think we need to harness natural energy where possible and surely the sea itself is a source as well as the wind. The power behind the waves crashing over the rocks at this time of year is just one untapped example. I know of a farmer in Yorkshire who powers all his cowsheds/milking machines from hydro-electricity generated from a stream going through his land and he even sells excess electricity back to the National Grid.
Message posted by mags-marianna on 11 January 2010 at 8:53am - IP Logged
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The link that sunnypop posted is Greek but thanks to google I can read it in English and it states the important factors as to why we should be against it- not my own personal views as yet I am still thinking on the subject, but it's points are; MORE THAN 300 WIND TURBINES WITH A HEIGHT OF 166 METERS EACH,4 METERS COLUMN. FOR EACH BASE WOULD REQUIRE 18,000 TONNES OF CONCRETE, DOZENS OF SUB-STATIONS AT SEA ANSASHORE HUGE SUBSTATION, EXTRA HIGH VOLTAGE TRANSMISSON PYLONS BY THE GAZATIKA, DIFFICULTY WITH THE TRAFFIC ISLANDS. UNABLE TO PASS 18,000 YACHTS, SOUND AND ELECTROMAGNETIC POLLUTION, VISUAL POLUTION ( VISABLE FROM 40 KILOMETERS). DEVASTATING EFFECTS ON TOURISM. DESTRUCTION OF THE UNDERWATER HABITAT, AND DESTRUCTION OF FISHERIES. So that is the bad points I guess, there must be some good points as well I suppose !
Message posted by SaraD on 11 January 2010 at 10:36am - IP Logged
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Quote: Originally posted by Rocky and Bill on 10 January 2010
Given the number of gales we've had recently I think a decent sized wind farm here could power half of Greece!
Difficult call I agree. Personally I think that the ecological benefits must outweigh the potential visual disturbance. The massive turbines off the English coast are quite stunning once you get used to the different horizon.
If they were placed several kms off the coast on the west they would hardly be instrusive, surely...?
Message posted by Bill on 11 January 2010 at 10:58am - IP Logged
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Sorry SaraD, not sure why you've quoted part of my earlier post...? Remember it was made before Sunnypop brought our attention to the website that describes sheer size and location of the proposed wind farm. I stand by my comment, but certainly don't agree with putting 300+ turbines within 1.5km of the northern coastline. It would have to be proportionate and sited to minimise the impact on the environment.
Of course, on the other hand, perhaps you intended to write something underneath the quote
Message posted by SaraD on 11 January 2010 at 11:02am - IP Logged
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Sorry about the above. Haven't mastered quotes yet!!
Afraid I have to disagree with you Rocky & Bill. A wind farm on the west coast WOULD be intrusive & would have a terrible impact on the local communitites who almost rely entirely on tourism to earn their living. The outstanding natural scenery & stunning sun set views are what make many, many tourist return to Arillas, San Stefanos & Peroulades year after year.
Sara
Message posted by overner on 11 January 2010 at 11:33am - IP Logged
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Although these can look stunning in the right place, eg in Gran Canaria there are hundreds built along rocky coastline in the south and they look ok, surely the main point is that we gave up using windmills 150 years ago because they were not efficient. If we follow the windfarm argument to its natural conclusion we will all be back on ox carts and cooking over open fires outside our caves and being totally eco friendly.
(yes I am an old cynic)
I remember back in the 70's our present generation of scientists fathers were telling us we were heading for an ice age and that polar bears would be in Wapping High St.
In those days nuclear fuel was going to save us all. Look out for the next bright idea before we reopen the coal mines and get all the millions of tons of coal still there in the ground. It was only abandoned due to cost...must be beginning to lok cheap again
Message posted by J&L on 11 January 2010 at 11:35am - IP Logged
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PS feel lots better after a Monday morning rant. We have been snowed in for a week now, cant get out of the village, cold, fed up, global warming ?????? lol
Message posted by Bill on 11 January 2010 at 12:12pm - IP Logged
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Quote: Originally posted by SaraD on 11 January 2010
Sorry about the above. Haven't mastered quotes yet!!
Afraid I have to disagree with you Rocky & Bill. A wind farm on the west coast WOULD be intrusive & would have a terrible impact on the local communitites who almost rely entirely on tourism to earn their living. The outstanding natural scenery & stunning sun set views are what make many, many tourist return to Arillas, San Stefanos & Peroulades year after year.
Sara
As I said previously Sara, I made that comment before realising the extent of the proposed wind farm.
I still maintain that if proportionate and in the right location wind farming is one of several potentially effective ways of harnessing the natural resources available to us, but I'm sure very few people would want to see 100s of massive turbines in close proximity to the coast anywhere around Corfu. The ecological and economic damage would probably far outweigh any benefits they might offer - as I said in later posts on the same subject.
Message posted by sarah Acharavi on 11 January 2010 at 1:19pm - IP Logged
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As my new business involves renewable energies , I have of course looked into this propsed windfarm.
Basically, when you talk to offices in Athens etc where these kinds of deccisions are made, even they still don't know what the correct legislation is for these projects. The initial quota for renewables for the ionian was 4 MW ( as we are officially a ' tourist ' area ) This proposal for 900 + MW then seems a bit laughable really. Yes, we do need to do something with regard to renewable energy as the situation is quite serious and anything that we can do to make Corfu more independent with regard to electric will help, but as most of you have said, in the correct location. The law has only recently changed to agree to allow individual home owners to install photo voltaic panels on their own roof . If people were just to install 1 or 2 KW it would help the overall situation and at the end of the day they would earn money from it too.
For now I think anyone who does feel strongly , just sign the petition and wait and see what happens when they actually pass a relevant law. At present both Esperion and Ag Giorgos councils have turned the application in this location down.
Apart from that, they do work, and they are worth it , but the measurements needed to work out dimensions, costs etc etc are taken over a period of years. They have test spots on 2 of the islands at least for the past 18 months.
I think thats everything that I know up to press !
Sarah
Message posted by Susanna on 11 January 2010 at 3:58pm - IP Logged
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I would worry most about the damage to the sea's eco system. The necessity for alternative power sources is proven, but not ones that cause a different set of problems.
Susanna
Message posted by MartynG on 11 January 2010 at 4:29pm - IP Logged
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As one who sails yachts around the Ionion on occasion, I would question the viability of developing wind power. Bearing the number of days, particularly in the summer, where there is no wind to speak of (and, generally, none at night) - these things need 14kph of wind speed to turn the turbines, I would think that the power produced would be minimal (particularly given the cost).
There are also very few "offshore locations" on the north west coast that would be suitable as the sea bed shelves very steeply to depths where it is not pssible to install the pylons, given current technology.
I wpould have thought that sollar generation wouldbe more viable.
Martyn
Message posted by Sunnypop on 11 January 2010 at 4:48pm - IP Logged
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Well, I try to get as much information as I can as it is relevant to my business too! For a place with so much sunlight, it is crazy not to have PV panels, hopefully now that the beurocracy they love so much has been broken ( slightly ) it will be become a more viable option for a lot of people.
Having said that, should you go into DEH and ask about this.......needless to say, no one knows anything and they will deny all knowledge of anything like that! Fortunately I have made some very good contacts and between us we are getting them moving!!
.....wish us luck !!!.....
Message posted by Corfukate on 11 January 2010 at 6:00pm - IP Logged
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There is an ongoing debate about wind turbines, here where i live. This is Prince Edward County, ( not Island), in Ontario. We are a small 'peninsula' a farming and tourist region.
Farmers are signing up for them to be placed on their land, they get about $10000 for each one, persons with property and tourism interests are against them. we hear of 'white'noise, damaging to children and livestock. Nausea has been mentioned,and other underlying problems.
Now we have been told, categorically, by the Ministry of Defence persons, that turbines cannot be erected within ?? kilometres of an active military installation. we have have Montainview and CFB Trenton nearby, so no turbines can be built!
Who can we believe? Could this apply to you on Corfu as well?
Message posted by artisans on 11 January 2010 at 8:31pm - IP Logged
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Quote: Originally posted by sarah Acharavi on 11 January 2010
it is crazy not to have PV panels,
I agree, Sarah, photo-voltaic power production is certainly one very effective way forward. With windpower for the winter, harnessing the maistros etc, surely hybrid systems are the way forward. By the way, whatever happened to the heat pumps I learned about some 45 years ago? Does anyone know what the Greek attitude is to alternative energy? One thing I do know is that if there was oil in the Ionian Sea, there would be no delay in erecting rigs for profit. Surely wind farms for ecology is a much better proposal!
Steve
Message posted by Susanna on 11 January 2010 at 8:55pm - IP Logged
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There are some properties in Corfu that have heat pumps, photo-voltaic systems, solar underfloor heating, etc, but with very few exceptions they are top-of-the-range villas whose owners can afford the high installation cost. As yet there are no grants/subsidies or financial incentives for builders/owners to incorporate green solutions in building (or at least I haven't heard of any).
Susanna
Message posted by sarah Acharavi on 11 January 2010 at 8:56pm - IP Logged
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Thats intersting about the military installations .... wonder if that applies to the base on the NW coast?? If so, that would put a stop to the wind turbines right away!
PV is definitely the way forward here and in the winter, it's not like we don't have sunny days! they still work, even if it is just daylight. The estimate of the approx number of kw/ hrs produced in this area is based on figures for the whole year is around 1300 kwhrs. At 55 cents per kwhr that is around 700 euros a year for every KW that you install. Obviously, each case is individual depending on the siting/ direction / shading etc etc , but it gives you a rough idea.
I know wind turbines are a lot more pleasant to look at than electricity pylons, but I think there are other places where they could go.
Message posted by chas445 on 14 January 2010 at 5:59pm - IP Logged
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Hi Chas,
Thanks for the information. Have just signed the petition and so has my son. Cannot believe that they would want to destroy such a beautiful area.
Message posted by suffolk-steve on 19 January 2010 at 7:07pm - IP Logged
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Lowestoft has the largest wind turbine in Uk, though with the wind in the right direction it can be noisey, its not ugly, people do come to vist the wind turbine, when people have power cuts, it would be nice to know Corfu is not relying on main-land supplies. Some like them some dont usually the donts are the ones who says,,, Not in our back yard ! but we all nedd enery
Message posted by orchard on 20 January 2010 at 12:13pm - IP Logged
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For people with villas / apartments registered as a business, if you do want to make changest to the properties that will make them more eco friendly, there may be some new programmes coming out in the next few months . I have my accountant looking out for it, so if I hear anything I will post it on here.
Message posted by tully on 24 January 2010 at 12:27pm - IP Logged
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Back in 2005 when we were embarking on planning the build off our house, we had a meeting with a Solar/wind power expert from Athens.
For what we would need to run a 1 bed house the cost would have been nearly 20,000 Euros. So consequently we ditched the idea.
I know that Solar has has come on in leaps and bounds since then, in both technology and price and if we were starting now i would definitely embark on Solar, but back then, there was no way we would have recovered that cost in our lifetime.
Message posted by kinninviekid on 24 January 2010 at 12:57pm - IP Logged
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I think the point is not whether you can recover the cost, but what good you are doing for the planet/environment. Some people are willing to make the financial sacrifice, but most, I suspect, simply can't afford to.
Message posted by tully on 24 January 2010 at 2:32pm - IP Logged
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I agree in a green world the cost wouldn't come into the equation, but in the real world where the money is coming from your bank account, it makes a difference.
Also to make a Solar panel in those days you used far more electricity than you do now and as we would have needed several panels, I would have created a bigger carbon footprint.
As I said in my post the cost has come down considerably, so it's more affordable for the average Joe Public now.
Message posted by Daniel&Sylvie on 24 January 2010 at 5:12pm - IP Logged
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The Greek government intends to put forward a draft law on reducing bureaucracy and simplifying licensing and exploitation procedures for renewable sources of energy.
More on this here.
Message posted by kend on 08 February 2010 at 11:28am - IP Logged
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Have a look at the Robin Rigg site in the Solway Firth, off the coast of West Cumbria. It is closer to the Scottish coast but from Maryport, on the English coast, it looks like an industrial site. Maryport had a sunset view to rival NW Corfu but these windmills have spoiled that.
Message posted by MartynG on 08 February 2010 at 12:01pm - IP Logged
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Quote: Originally posted by Daniel&Sylvie on 24 January 2010
The Greek government intends to put forward a draft law on reducing bureaucracy and simplifying licensing and exploitation procedures for renewable sources of energy.
More on this <a rel="nofollow" href= "http://www.rechtsanwalt-griechenland.de/blog/planned-new-regulations-for-solar-cell-equipment-in-greece/">here</a>.
Hi Daniel - isn't this an oxymoron? I Just love the idea of passing a law to reduce bureaucracy
Martyn
Message posted by Daniel&Sylvie on 10 February 2010 at 8:10pm - IP Logged
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It's really an uncomplicated process when the proposal meets all 378 criteria governing reduction of bureaucracy. Such is quite easily proven with stamps from the 17 review offices for the relevant sections.
The pessimist complains about bureaucracy;
the optimist expects it to change;
the realist adjusts the payment.
Hypocritus (adapted from Ward)
Message posted by MartynG on 10 February 2010 at 8:17pm - IP Logged
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Well, a word of advice. For anyone interested in fitting PV panels, do NOT go to DEH in town to ask about it!!! (you will only get blank looks!!!...surprise surprise...) The trick is to decide what you want to do and then get your electrician to do the leg work!
I am lucky that we are working with 2 young guys who are up to the minute on all the requirements and have already put in application to DEH.
The bottom line is, the law regarding household applications changed last June, so from now on, if you want to fit them, you make the application for a second electric meter like you would normally. Costs currently run at 4,000 - 5,000 euros per KW depending on the installation requirements.
Income is estimated for the Ionian region at 600-700 euros per KW per year.
There are grants available from Pireaus bank specifically for this, and business' come under the ESPA programme for grants.
I have to say Daniel, that when I saw that note about them trying to get rid of the beaurocracy regaring applications, this was recently and was aimed at commercial installations, and for a moment there I was concerned that they might do something rash, forget the neccessary checks required for something like the wind farm at Agios Stefanos and actually give it the go ahead or somthing stupid like that!!!
For anyone interested, there is a rally in Avliotes on Sunday in the village square for people who want to go and show their support. I don't know who will be speaking there.
Message posted by sarah Acharavi on 11 February 2010 at 11:32am - IP Logged
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.....The second link should be this: Corfu Blog- windfarm news (sorry for the poor technical skills)
Message posted by seaangler (Chat Room Administrator) on 24 October 2010 at 1:03am - IP Logged
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seaangler
Quote: Originally posted by Susanna on 11 January 2010
I would worry most about the damage to the sea's eco system. The necessity for alternative power sources is proven, but not ones that cause a different set of problems.
Susanna
And what damage would it cause there is hardly any tide flow!!!As it is...
Wind farms would be better for the Eco of the sea giving platforms for sea life to form like they do around England.
Prestatyn were I fish among the wind turbines has a abundance of fish and eco life. Before they were built it was just dead ground and fishless. Now you will see dozens of boats fishing there...
The sea needs structures for life to form around them on...
Message posted by Susanna on 08 January 2011 at 7:16pm - IP Logged
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Just heard that the original proposal for wind turbines along the length of the summit of Pantokrator from Kassiopi to Troumpetta has been rushed through parliament at the very end of 2010 and approved . There are various circulars doing the rounds from a local environmental group suggesting that we organize immediate opposition. I'll try to find out more and post as soon as I do.
Message posted by orchard on 09 January 2011 at 12:20pm - IP Logged
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Message posted by Deedee on 10 January 2011 at 11:03am - IP Logged
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Deedee
Quote: Originally posted by orchard on 09 January 2011
Seen them in Crete & Kefalonia on the mountains... don't think they spoil the view at all.
Me neither. I think the usual design of the individual turbine is simple and elegant and that several of them together can be rather magnificent. I'd choose a wind farm any day over all those ugly pylons & aerials or whatever they are that desecrate the summit of Pantokrator.
There is a wind farm near Kefalos on Kos. We didn't know it existed before our first holiday there but it certainly did not stop us returning for further holidays.
Deedee
Message posted by BonJoviLover on 10 January 2011 at 11:52am - IP Logged
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I agree, I saw a wind farm on my way to Edinburgh and found it quite mesmerising, peaceful and quite beautiful in a strange way! I must point out that I was on a train at the time and not driving!!! ha! ha!
Message posted by trisa on 10 January 2011 at 11:59am - IP Logged
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Quote: surely the main point is that we gave up using windmills 150 years ago because they were not efficient. If we follow the windfarm argument to its natural conclusion we will all be back on ox carts and cooking over open fires outside our caves and being totally eco friendly.
I think electricity was one of the reasons for stopping the original windmills! It's called progress. If we don't move forward then obviously we will never get anything done.
I agree with several posts on here that the turbines should be looked at favourably if they are providing energy from a renewable source, at least until we're all using nuclear power. I also think they are very elegant structures.
As for noise pollution, we have enough noise from the disco in Albania. If the turbines drown that out, it will be a bonus!
I have actually stood under a working turbine and the noise was negligible. The wind here where we live is much louder when it roars through the olives as it frequently does.
Trisa.
Message posted by sarah Acharavi on 10 January 2011 at 3:38pm - IP Logged
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I agree that in the right place, they can certainly go a long way to creating electricity. Pantokrator is probably not a bad place for it, not in anyone's 'face' up and out of the way I suppose.
The off shore farm however is a different matter altogether. There are 3 habited islands there all needing regular ferries, and many people earning a living fishing in the area. The proposed HUGE number of turbines would cause havoc with them. There is also the enormous cost to construct them there. The amount of concrete required and the depth of the sea there, should put it out of the picture according to some of the requirements I have read. There is also the question of where it will all go, will they build a sub station in Agios Stephanos in the middle of a tourist area? That amount of uneven electrical power cannot just be fed straight into the grid.
Message posted by MartynG on 10 January 2011 at 4:12pm - IP Logged
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There are two massive problems with wind farms, as I see it. Firstly, the "land take" - that is the amount of land required to support each plyon and the way that these strctures destroy rural environments. Secondly, they are highly inefficient: is there really enough wind above the required speed (15mph?) needed to turn the blades? Judging by the number of times I have been becalmed whislt sailing, I would have thought not.
During the recent spate of cold weather in the UK, the wind turbines produced little, if any, electricity (at a time of peak demand) as there was no wind.
Nuclear (fusion) is probably the only answer - but there are (as I understand it) control problems and the process involves weapons grade uranium, so not necessarily a safe bet. I also believe that there are insufficient supplies of uranium in the world to fuel an expansion of fission reactors.
Martyn
Message posted by windmill on 10 January 2011 at 9:07pm - IP Logged
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We have several wind farms in our region.
1) even if working 24/7 they produce very little power.
2) most of the the time, several are not working.
3) if wind too strong, they are out of commision.
4) not enough wind? well.
5) consider the amount of electricity needed to produce the raw materials and construction in the first place.
6) only the operators and the farmers on whose land these stand get any benefit.
Future is wave power as is being developed off St Ives.
Message posted by Dasia on 11 January 2011 at 5:11am - IP Logged
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Our local utility wants to plant a wind farm just off the shore of Lake Ontario east of Toronto. People living near the proposed site are concerned about possible harm to migrating birds,ill effects of infrasound on human health, destruction of scenic views, etc.
Last fall I spent a week in a the Netherlands, in a town on the North Sea with a large 'experimental' wind farm 10 - 18 km offshore. What a good opportunity to discover the effects, if any, of these wind farms and report back to my neighbours! Given the generous distance between the turbines and the shore, people said they were not bothered by noise. But those who had experience with turbines on land said that at 2 - 4 km, the planned offset here in Ontario, we certainly would hear them. Some felt they spoiled their view of the North Sea and made the horizon look crooked. The turbines were clearly visible, even at that distance on an overcast day.
The wind never abated the whole time we were in Holland. You had to walk braced against it; sand from the beach permeated everywhere even far from the beach. Houses had names like "The South Wind" and "The West Wind"; the only people in the pounding waves were windsurfers. It seemed to me that if there is anywhere suitable for wind turbines, it is off the North Sea! I've never experienced wind like that in either Canada or Greece, and wonder if installing them in either place is worth the expense and negative effects on human and animal life.
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It would have to be proportionate and sited to minimise the impact on the environment.
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