High Density of Nimbys
Low Density of Power
Fordyce Maxwell of The Scotsman discusses a local success in the war against Global Warming. Unfortunately, nothing is straightforward. Efforts to construct windmill farms in Scotland are very controversial. The motives of proponents are questioned. The economic benefits are doubted. The esthetics are panned. The Scottish Executive does not presently have the clout to force a whole lot of these projects, and that's what they're going to have to do if they want to make a real difference in greenhouse gas production.
"... Campaigners call wind turbines green totem poles, he said. Enthusiasts for them might know some of the science, but have no grasp of the maths.
Take the turbines in the Moray Firth area, from Wick to Aberdeen, that have been built, are being built, or are in the planning system, he said.
There are 800, varying in height from 200ft to 500ft. Average output from all 800 would be about 480 megawatts. Peterhead Power Station alone produces more than 1,530Mw. ... "
I am strongly in favor of this effort for the simple reason that it provides variety in the sources of energy. I foresee that there will be many unexpected problems and disappointments, but I'm firmly convinced that technical monoculture is just as dangerous as the agricultural version. If they build it now, it will be there when needed. North Sea oil is already past its peak. But no matter what the project's virtures may be, I suspect that the nimbys are going to kill it. And they do have a pretty strong argument concerning the low power output per surface required.
Should I take this opportunity to express my preference for nuclear power?
1/14/2006 2:32 AM
posted by jj mollo @ 1/14/2006 02:38:00 AM
2 comments
2 Comments:
yup...I would! However they cut it, wind We need higher energy outputs
As far as the esthetics go? In 30 years they will cry because they are tearing down the wind mills and "destroying a beautiful landmark"
We just listened to that same garbage on the St Croix bridge here locally. Amazing, when it was built, it was called a eyesore, now it is a scenic land mark
My brother-in-law just shaved his mustache and his family is up in arms. But I can remember when he grew it; nobody liked it at all.
I imagine when the Dutch put up the original windmills, all the neighbors complained, and after a suitable pause built one for themselves. It would be funny except that nimbys are so powerful today. They stop everything useful to the general public.
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