Dave and Darcy are right to support wind power

[Aurora]

The Guardian - 22/03/12

In a speech this week to the Institute of Civil Engineering, the Prime Minster, David Cameron, made clear his support for offshore wind energy. He highlighted some of the many advantages of developing the industry, saying:

"Our focus here will be on offshore wind, for hard-headed reasons. It is secure, generated at home rather than imported - and it's one of the world's fastest growing energy sources, which means substantial economic opportunities. I believe we are well-placed to become a world leader in offshore wind power – and this government is doing all it can to make sure that happens".

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[woodburner]

Cameron only spouts the drivel he is fed.

It is secure...

[JMS]

Many times, in discussions with friends and on other forums, people say that it's impossible to generate a large part of a country's electricity needs with renewable energy. And every time they say this, I point to Scotland.

[emordnilap]

Oh, renewables will generate much of the country's needs.

The problem is is wants.

[adam2]

The output from any single wind turbine can vary a lot from minute to minute, this is easily accomadated by the grid.
The change in the supply/demand balance is no worse than an electric train accelerating.

The output of a large wind farm varies only slowy, and can be easily forcast and allowed for.

The output from a number of wind farms in different areas varies still less in the short term, and is more easily forecast.

We have a growing number if interconnectors with other countries, this permits of greater use of windpower as any surplus can usually be exported, and imports are available in times of shortage.

I doubt it would be feasible to run the country entirely on wind, but it could undoubtedly make a greater contribution than at present.

And as for the statement that wind power is "secure" then that depends on what you mean by secure.
Secure against interuption when the wind stops ? only partialy as above.

Secure against being interupted by the actions of a foreign power or terrorist group ? certainly.
Wind power generated from hundreds of turbines spread out within our own teritory is largely immune to war or other attack.

Unlike gas or oil imports which are vulnerable to single points, such as war closing the straights or Hormuz, or the Rusians turning of the gas.

[biffvernon]

The output from any single wind turbine can vary a lot from minute to minute, this is easily accomadated by the grid.

And the output from a gas turbine power station can also be made to vary a lot over a short time. This mean that ever extra unit of electricity generated by wind is exactly matched by a unit not generated by burning (imported) gas. Thus every extra wind turbine helps our balance of payments, energy security and carbon emissions reduction.

[PS_RalphW]

This mean that ever extra unit of electricity generated by wind is exactly matched by a unit not generated by burning (imported) gas. Thus every extra wind turbine helps our balance of payments,.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19194176

The UK's trade gap widened sharply in June, to its worst level since comparable records began in 1997.

[biffvernon]

Indeed. Blame is put on having a day orf for the Jubilee rather than on increased gas imports because we don't have enough wind turbines.

[adam2]

The output from any single wind turbine can vary a lot from minute to minute, this is easily accomadated by the grid.

And the output from a gas turbine power station can also be made to vary a lot over a short time. This mean that every extra unit of electricity generated by wind is exactly matched by a unit not generated by burning (imported) gas. Thus every extra wind turbine helps our balance of payments, energy security and carbon emissions reduction.

Absolutely.
And less gas burnt in power stations is more remaining in stock for any future emergency.
So every wind turbine that is built slightly reduces the need for more gas storage.