Wind power provides negligible electricity

LOUISE Hogan reported 'wind power could be used to generate over one-third of the energy needs of the entire island of Ireland by 2020, a new study has revealed' (Irish Examiner, April 3).

The article further states that 'energy regulators on both sides of the border have found that by the year 2020 wind energy could be generating up to 8,000 megawatts of electricity - around 35% of all power generation'.

Sadly, these reports are not true. Wind farms for power generation can only provide negligible electricity to grid supply systems, make no significant reduction in pollution, cause significant environmental damage, increase the costs of electricity and create risks of power failures.