Nukes v Renewables -Why It's Vital To Support Wind Power Now (1/2) By Rich Claxton

(1/2), (2/2).

Thrilled by the prospect of a new generation of nuclear power stations and the possibility of radioactive waste dumps here in Hull and East Riding? No? Well, the good news is there is a safe, clean alternative and we can all do our bit to ensure its success. A combination of renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency measures and decentralised energy (electricity produced near where it used) can provide us with all the power we need. Nuclear is not only extremely dangerous and expensive - it is also completely unnecessary.

Wind power is a vital part of this clean energy mix and therefore has a crucial role to play in tackling climate chaos. As the most mature and cost-effective renewable technology, it has a massive job to do in terms of drastically cutting our CO2 emissions as well as helping to destroy the case for nuclear new-build. And our area has huge potential for the development of wind power. Wind power is safe and clean. It works and is ready to go now. Denmark already gets 20% of its electricity from wind and the UK's national grid company has said that we can easily do the same - without any threat to the security of the grid. Indeed, the UK is the windiest country in Europe.

Wind power is cheap - it's already competitive with conventional power stations and, according to the government's own figures, onshore wind will be cheapest form of electricity by 2020. It's popular, too. The Sustainable Development Commission - a Government advisory body - reports that the average level of local support for wind farms between 1992 and 2005 was 80%. A DTI survey in 2003 found that, in the UK as a whole, less than 20% of people were resistant to the development of a wind farm in their area. The report said that 'the more people know about wind power, the more positive they will be about a proposed development.'

In the East Riding, Out Newton Wind Farm enjoys a high level of local support - after initial concerns were dispelled. In fact, there is a huge amount of research evidence which shows that those living closest to wind farms are among their strongest advocates. A recent study by St Andrews University concluded that 'A large majority said their fears about them had failed to transpire. Respondents found no noise issues and to their surprise, they actually regarded the wind farms as attractive additions to the landscape.'

Anyone could be forgiven for not recognising the fact that wind power is extremely popular. Many wind farm plans are opposed by a small but vociferous minority who get a disproportionate amount of media attention. As with so many issues, those who support change tend to remain silent or express their views in less vocal ways. This situation must change. We must show our local politicians that a wind farm is a vote-winner, not a vote-loser. We need a massive lobbying effort to reverse the trend of wind farm applications getting turned down by local councils.

Continued...Next Page (2/2)

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