An old school windmill can be quite an endearing site, but despite being modelled around the same idea- the modern day wind turbines used to generate renewable energy sometimes receive less than a welcoming reception.
The wind farm debate is ongoing, and for as much support the renewable energy source receives, it also generates a backlash of protests. Those in support of farming the UK’s endless supply of wind argue that the energy source isn’t only clean and green but it also boosts are suffering economy. Sounds like a win WIND situation doesn’t it? Despite being a tiny island the UK has some very big feet, and you know what they say about big feet right? … A BIG carbon footprint! But our wind farms are spinning around as much as the weather allows, and are reducing the UKs carbon emissions by 7 million tonnes every year. Alongside this, in the middle of a four year double dip recession, the light at the end of this long dark tunnel seems to be getting further away with every high street shop we see closing down. However as a breath of fresh air, Renewable UK (2013), calling themselves “the voice of wind and marine energy”, state that the wind industry has already invested £5bn in the UK economy this year and created 12,000 jobs. Furthermore, it is thought that the prospects of future projects in the wind industry could result in a 90,000 jobs and a whopping £50bn investment in the UK economy by 2020.
On the other side of the debate, the wind farm industry is creating a tornado of trouble in some people’s opinions. Being British citizens there are plenty of things we are proud of; The Queen… Fish & Chips… Tea. However one thing us Brits seem less impressed with is our unpredictable and unreliable weather. A problem faced by wind farming, is that the whole process relies on our unpredictable and unreliable weather. These turbines can only generate electricity when the wind is blowing strong enough. For this reason, naturally wind farms end up being located in the windiest of areas, the vast open space of the great British countryside, which brings us to the next argument against. Some say that the wind turbines are ruining the view and ‘natural landscape’. Now while this can be appreciated as a valid argument, my response to this would be to ask anyone to find me an authentic natural undisturbed piece of English countryside. Landscape geographers would argue that in this modern world you cannot do so, because even the most scenic picturesque areas of the UK tend to be protected and fenced to keep them looking that way- thus removing all authenticity all together. However, I can understand why those lucky enough to not have to look out upon another building block, a bus stop or the nearby secondary school wouldn’t want their view tarnished by a massive white fan. Saying that, we could always paint them green? Just a thought.
Other arguments against include the concerns over marine wildlife with the placement of offshore wind farms, other arguments for include the prediction that wind farm generated electricity will be able to supply 17 million UK homes by 2020 with an investment of just 2p a day from a UK household. I don’t know about you but I loose more than that every day down the sofa alone.
It seems to me that while some a very positively for wind farming in the UK, and others stand strongly against, the discussion should not be whether or not it should be done, but how it can be done in a way to suit all. There is no benefit to the wind industry trying to pop up wind farms left right and centre when all the while they are facing increasingly well organised and strong opposition. There has to be a compromise found that could continue to improve and generate renewable energy whilst taking in to account the concerns of protestors.
I understand those who want to protect the scenery, want to protect marine wildlife, those who quite frankly can’t stand the noise and site of the massive white fans. Fair enough. I can also understand and appreciate that at the end of the day, we are running out of options. This world cannot continue to use resources at its current level of consumption, especially as we are ever growing in population numbers and always striving for more. Renewable energy is the way forward, but time and investment needs to go in to ways of making it more suitable and appealing for everyone and everything involved; people, landscape and wildlife too.