Green Technology

The main contribution to CO2 emissions from wind-farms arises from the back-up and balancing required from conventional power stations. This uses additional fuel - primarily gas. The National Grid in its Winter Consultation Report 2010/11 stated that 'In terms of generation availability we saw a small contribution from wind generation at the time of the demand peak, underlining the need to discount the technical availability of intermittent generation. types'. This implies 100% back-up.

The DECC reply is the usual non-reply which actually confirms the complaint, for example these 4 points to which I have added my own comments

You are concerned about the ability of wind power to produce electricity on demand. While generation is a variable energy source, the effects of intermittency will increasingly be mitigated through a range of options. These include:

The geographical dispersion of wind farms across the country;

Trouble is as we have seen in the last few Winters there are long periods of blocking highs where there is no wind anywhere on the UK. FAIL

The increasing deployment of non-variable forms of renewable energy - such as biomass;

The FOI was about wind, so you are admitting that wind will need to be supplemented with biomass eg coal generators converted to wood (which we will have to import and the increase in prices is already driving furniture manufacturing overseas) FAIL

Increasing use of energy storage and

More CO2 emissions to build these plants which also increase inefficiencies FAIL

Greater demand side management.

Turning off power in cold winters FAIL