‘Free’ energy

SIR – Lucy Mangan (Comment, August 18) writes that she cannot understand the antipathy of “enviro-sceptics” to the idea of “getting stuff for free”.

The point is that we do not get energy free. Wind turbines are hugely expensive to build and erect. Solar panels are not cheap. Schemes to generate electricity from tidal movement cost vast sums. In all cases, the efficiency claimed is highly questionable, and the useful working life is unproven.

In the case of wind and solar power, continuity of supply is somewhat unreliable, so conventional gas-fired power stations have to be available to make up the shortages when the sun fails to shine or the wind is either non-existent or too fierce. Thus, the consumer ends up paying significant subsidies to the operators, in order to make the industry economically viable. It may be that, in due course, the technology will be so improved that the inefficiencies are eliminated and excess power can be stored in giant batteries – but that is probably a very long way away.

John Waine

Nuneaton, Warwickshire