Wind power

National wants the oil and gas exploration platforms back. Are they oblivious to the disastrous weather events which were made worse by climate change?

Humans face the largest technical transition ever - abandoning fossil fuel in favour of ‘‘green’’ energy. Wind energy is more efficient offshore and with larger windmills. Larger windmills have a relatively lower capital expenditure, and provide cheaper electricity. The diameter can be 242m, blades 118m long, 16MW capacity good for 80,000 homes – one turn provides enough electricity for a few days for one home.

Windmill technology can be adjusted to the prevailing type of wind for a specific site. It’s these power-generating windmills we should be planning to bring to coastal waters – no more oil and gas drilling, please.

In Europe, we saw gas pipes being blown up, with the motive that you have to buy gas from America, and if you don’t, the pipe can be blown up.

Electricity generated from wind is relatively cheaper than electricity from fossil fuel. The wind is free.

T Steenhuisen

Upper Moutere, November 13