Wind power efficiency

The effect of fluctuating loads on the efficiency of the base generating system appears to have been completely ignored

I read 'Wind power does cut carbon' with interest and some scepticism.

Firstly I note that a 25 year life is used for the calculations. A wind farm developer in my area only claimed a life of 20 years and I understand that this is now more likely to be 15 years. I imagine it would be even less for offshore installations and has the carbon footprint of maintenance vessels been taken into account?

Secondly, and more importantly, the effect of fluctuating loads on the efficiency of the base generating system appears to have been completely ignored.

The research done by the Dutch Physicist Dr C le Pair shows that if wind produces more than 2% of the power then, because of the reduced base efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions are actually increased. According to the values recorded by neta, giving the measured amount of power from various sources, wind averages just over 5%. So, unless the good Dr has got his sums completely wrong, the turbines will only ever increase emissions. Link to the paper.

In this context "wind chill" by the centre for Policy Studies makes interesting reading.

Also the statement that in the UK wind turbines generate electricity 70-85% of the time may well be true but is misleading as it suggests that the turbines produce significant amounts of power, which the measured figures above clearly show that they do not. Presumably there will always be some working up to 85% of the time but most will not. Even the manufacturers only claim 30% of the full power rating.

T. M. Ward, Foxton, Leicestershire

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