Wind Power: The Truth

Wind power is set to play a vital role in the UK's future energy mix, yet the truth of its versatility and usefulness is often lost in a bluster of myths and untruths. Our Wind Power Facts video is packed with interesting and current facts about wind power, and is a great learning resource about wind energy.

The video sets out factually supported evidence of the expediency of wind power, answers a host of common questions and dispels a cloud of myths which surround the industry.

Thanks and acknowledgements:

Creative talent: Cristina Chapman and TBI media.

Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

[DallyDragon]

The UK has the most wind because of all the baked beans we eat.

[Philip.Eriksson]

everyone on youtube got a Phd in environmental engineering...

[johnbenton]

As for wind turbines spoiling the view; wind turbines ARE the view.

[asArsenic]

The big issue with wind and solar is that we cannot effectively store electricity and the regions where we can produce wind and solar energy are relatively far from where we consume it most. This means that for every Kw of power produced by wind and solar we need to have something that can produce that same amount of power while the renewables aren't producing. Often these are coal and gas powerplants, which are even less efficient while ramping up to meet demand and ramping down when the renewables kick in, undercutting the carbon footprint reduction of the renewables.

Beyond that, Wind is one of the deadliest forms of energy by KwH produced. The energy density of wind is low compared to other powersources and it requires constant maintenance high up in and on the gondola, every year many workers fall to their deaths.

Beyond that their figures on nuclear decomissioning makes no sense. 70 bil / 226 years since the french revolution comes out to about 300mil a year. The UK govt alone subsidizes the windmill industry to the tune of approx 1, 2 bil a year. That's just the subsidies. Also their figures don't factor in the value of the amount of energy that those NPPs have produced that would have otherwise had to come from somewhere else.

Beyond that a program of nuclear decomissioning wouldn't even be needed if we maintained and continued to upgrade our nuclear power plants to more modern and safer designs.

Also, ironically nuclear is one of the least deadly forms of energy production per KwH produced, and that's including Fukushima and Chernobyl.

[BosoxBelliott]

Not mentioned is the fact that wind power on the grid ensures dependence on fossil fuels. Since the turbines don't spin all the time, windmills don't produce electricity all the time and the grid can fail. Luckily backup gas generators kick in whenever needed to sustain the grid.

[barracudau]

Yes we have used wind for thousands of years for transportation, and im sure anyone who was stuck on one of those ships would tell you it sure does such when the wind dies!

[alfredmercer]

This is all great, an encouraging story from a company with a vested interest in the proliferation of wind technology.

Now compare it to advanced nuclear reactors and tell me what your best option is.

[JurijFedorov]

What a low blow against nuclear power. The price of these 2 energies are like night and day. Wind turbines are an extremely expensive energy source.

[High]

I really can't remember I saw a bird colliding with a building and they state that is the primary cause of bird fatality by far. Hm...

[leerman]

Just because a turbine is spinning 80% of the time doesn't mean it's producing electricity. Total capacity factor is usually around 30%. If you just assume it's producing it's rated power output just because it's spinning you will get skewed numbers.

[DanM]

You forgot to mention a single nuclear reactor can produce the same energy as thousands of turbines which take up a heck of a lot of room. Also unlike turbines it can produce this energy 24/7 365 days a year.

[iareid]

Facts maybe, but not the whole story by a long way.

Google gridwatch and on that site monitor how much is generated by wind power month on month, it's pretty pathetic considering the total installed capacity. Also the essential thermal stations run all the time when the wind blows and when it doesn't they increase output to make up the shortfall. It's really quite very wasteful. Renewables are not the answer, but a huge problem. The video mentiiones Germany, they are having serious grid problems due to wind, and Denmark, even with it's large installed capacity only gets 25% or so of it's power from wind.

This sort of video puits a nice gloss on things but there's no fabric behind the shine.

[ScotsmaninUtah]

People are reporting significant health problems with type of energy, and the experience in Germany has been a disaster for their energy production . Much more research is needed.

[leonnagel]

"The Truth" this is the most one sided video i have ever seen. Please make a video about the disadvantages of wind turbines.

[brucerandell]

For every wind turbine you need an equivalent coal power station in the background, running, for when the wind stops. Focus on storing energy first, then sell wind turbines and other intermittent green power sources. This is just a money making racket at present.

[Lukebarca]

Is there an updated link to the references website?

[peteg]

Great video! Lovely clear graphics about bird kill, clearly showing the proportion due to various man made objects. I look forward to seeing a similar quality one about solar...

[sergiospoti]

....and when you have no wind during several days ...how do you have electricity....???

[Weisswurstesser]

What about the fact that nobody wants to live near them because they are ugly and loud?

That constant humming would drive me crazy.

[henrychan]

Just spend all the money into making a working fusion reactor and we will never have to worry about electricity again. We are already really close.