Klimabedrag.dk

When entrepreneurs claim that a wind turbine, with an effect of 1.8 MW, can power 1,200 homes - this is in effect a misconception, approaching false advertisement.

An onshore 1,800 kW wind turbine produces an average of about 360 kW. Thus the 1,200 homes suddenly becomes 240 homes. However, this is only half the truth. Most so called renewable energy generators need constant backup from fast responding conventional power plants.

Therefore the 1.8 MW turbine can, in the real world, with the help of 1.8 MW capacity from a gas turbine, power 240 homes - assuming the houses 1.5 kW each.

If you would say that an 800 MW natural gas fired power plant could power 53,000 homes, that would be a far more true statement, and it would be immensely cheaper for the rate payer and for the tax payer.

It is like using a sailing boat to ferry people from A to B, and announce the duration according the boat's maximum achievable speed, let's say 20 knots with a strong breeze from the side. The average sailing speed from A to B snd B to A is more likely to be 5 knots. Moreover, just like in the wind turbine scenario, the passengers need an alternative, when there is too little wind to do the trip at all, or inadequate wind would make the trip last too long. The backup, motorised, boat would have to be manned and ready, with preheated motor oil and running central heating, etc. - kind of wasteful.

The use of a wind turbine's name plate effect should really be discouraged, and instead, we the readers and customers, should be presented with the assumed delivery at the particular location the turbine is to be installed. It should further be made absolutely clear to the public, that wind turbines are only supplementary, with no real reduction in CO2 or conventional power plants. Additionally comes the cost of extending and upgrading the grid, local transformers, service roads, etc.