Wind energy has failed in Germany

I WAS dismayed to read James McGrath’s letter (Irish Examiner, November 24) in which he takes issue with Dr Colmán Etchingham who, like myself, disagrees with Tim Cowig’s claims that wind energy is the only option to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels.

Like Mr McGrath, I used to think of wind energy as a green alternative. Last February, however, I was confronted with the possibility of living near industrial turbines for the rest of my life.

After 10 months of extensive research I know that he, like so many others, has fallen victim to the propaganda spread by developers who stand to make millions from wind-farm development.

The same propaganda was spread in Germany over 20 years ago, when the first wind farms were constructed. As a German, I have concentrated most of my research on the situation there.

It is a myth that the wind industry in Germany is a success. Latest figures show that, in 2005, the 17,600 German wind farms contributed the meagre amount of 4.1% to that country’s grid.

The Knockraha, Leamlara and District Environmental Association (KLADEA) has received a copy of a comprehensive and well-balanced report called Wind Farm Madness, published in 2004 by the German weekly magazine, Der Spiegel .

It reveals in great detail the sad reality about an industry that has not only failed, but has caused misery to the lives of thousands of people, has created great disharmony in countless communities and has destroyed, beyond redemption, vast areas of a once beautiful landscape.

Even the most stoic wind industry supporters will not be able to rubbish the findings of this report.

Other countries have had very similar experiences to that of Germany with wind turbines. It is vital we do not repeat their mistakes.

Mr McGrath is wrong in his belief that communities all over Ireland would welcome turbines — already, there are over 35 communities in the country fighting against wind farm development. Some, sadly, have lost the fight and their quality of life is greatly affected by turbines near their homes.

I have conducted two surveys in Germany this year, mainly aimed at researching the effects of turbines on people’s health and on the environment. The results are alarming. Interested parties can access the results from my survey reports on the website www.kladea.com

Brigitte Schorn

Knockraha

Co Cork