Windpower has a lot going for it

IN her letter of September 27, Brigette Schorn claims wind power is “ineffective.” She then contradicts herself, saying it is “20-25% effective”.

I think she is trying to say what everyone knows, that wind power is variable. However, it is also essentially free.

Capturing a source of energy which is infinite in supply, without the CO2 emissions or pollution caused by all other sources, makes wind energy incredibly effective.

Ms Schorn lists the usual canards about how turbines adversely affect our health and quality of life. I live within one kilometre of one such turbine, and its existence is a matter of complete indifference to either my health or my quality of life.

In referring to “international research”, she does not inform us of the particular study or what she means by stating that wind is not a “viable alternative”.

I know of no one who suggests wind is a viable alternative to present sources of energy, in the sense of being able to replace them. Nor do I know of any ‘expert’, as cited by Ms Schorn, who claims to have “a perfect solution” to our energy problems.

This does not mean, however, that wind energy cannot be used to lessen our dependence on present sources.

I appreciate Ms Schorn’s concern for the whale and the dolphin when they are inconvenienced by pile-driving for offshore wind farms. However, this is only a temporary phase. After the job is done, pile-driving ends.

I’m sure Ms Schorn also feels deeply about the adverse effect on whales and dolphins of noisy sea traffic when oil is shipped around the world and when the inevitable oil spillage occurs.

Perhaps we could all simply stop driving and using electricity?

James McGrath

Birchgrove

Hollyford

Co Tipperary