Sir, – From a practical perspective, wind turbines cannot generate enough energy to reduce global CO2 levels to a meaningful degree. Wind power is by nature intermittent and cannot generate a steady output, necessitating back-up coal and gas power plants that significantly negate any savings in greenhouse gas emissions.
There are also ecological drawbacks to wind turbines, including damage to habitats, wildlife and the aesthetic drawback of the assault upon natural beauty and the pristine landscape.
Wind power in Ireland and Britain is being financed at the cost of consumers, who have not been consulted nor informed about this effective subsidy that is being paid from their taxes and energy bills to support an industry that cannot be cost-efficient. – Yours, etc,
PATRICK L O’BRIEN,
Victoria Cross,
Cork.