Wind farms are not reaching their full capacity

• Mar. 24 by Laura Hogan (2)

A study released this month, claims that onshore wind farms are only producing a small amount of green energy; meaning that beautiful landscapes are being spoiled and little is being gained in return.

The study, compiled by Alan Tubb (and cited Michael Jefferson) of the Campaign to Limit Onshore Wind Development (CLOWD) revealed that more than 20 of the 250 British wind farms produce less than a fifth of their potential output power.

Efficiency

The ‘normal’ turbine efficiency of Britain’s onshore wind farms is around 25%-30%, but the Blythe Harbour site in Northumberland is only thought to be operating at 7.9% of its maximum capacity.  Even Britain’s largest wind farm in County Durham only achieves 18.7% output.

The report states that:

‘Entec/Nuon Uk Ltd. have claimed that the proposed development would serve the needs of 10,000 average households in terms of electricity requirements.

In fact the most optimistic realistic assessment is for 6,330 households’ requirements to be met.  The outcome could be as low as 4,924 households.’

Public Reaction

With the lack of power being produced by these wind farms; it’s no surprise that the public are beginning to lose faith in wind farms and question why beautiful landscapes are being destroyed for little in return.

John Staples, from Windermere in the Lake District said:

‘I’d hate to think that parts of the Lake District’s beauty were being destroyed to build wind farms.

Surely offshore wind farms make more sense than onshore ones; as the wind is stronger offshore.

I’d like to think that one day we’ll be living off renewable sources, but the latest statistics make me doubtful’.

Birmingham

Currently there aren’t any wind farms in Birmingham and  Birmingham City Council refused to comment on whether any wind farms were due to be built in or around the City.

They also refused to comment on whether they believed wind farms reached their full potential.