FUTURE OF FARMS IS BASED ON THE FACTS
10 March 2009
The debate about the future of wind energy in the Manawatu should be based on facts, not fallacies.
Accordingly, it is necessary to address a few of the many fallacies that Eddy Fischer has presented as facts and observations (What good are wind turbines really doing? Letters, March 2).
Wind farms don't require one-for- one backup from other generation.
Variations in wind energy output are managed in the same way as the electricity system operator uses reserve generation to manage events such as unexpected outages at large thermal stations and sudden changes in demand.
Readers who recall the dry year power shortages of just a few months ago will understand the value in allowing our hydro lakes to ``fill a bit more''.
By reducing our dependency on hydro generation, while at the same time also enabling greater use of hydro's inherent flexibility, wind energy is making a significant contribution to the security of our electricity supply.
Many in Manawatu may also be less dismissive of the creation of 250 construction jobs, new full-time positions and the injection of several hundred million dollars into the local economy.
New wind farms will generate electricity that contributes to meeting demand and enhances security of supply, both of which will contribute to economic growth in Manawatu.
And new wind farms do not earn carbon credits.
Wind farms have been ineligible for carbon credits since the final round of the Ministry for the Environment's Projects to Reduce Emissions scheme in 2004.
Fraser Clark
Chief Executive
New Zealand Wind Energy Association
Source: Letter to the Editor Manawatu Standard
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