I hope you are not suggesting that I didn't take the time to read Sylvia's post, Rifty.
Because I would be quite offended if you are.
If both you and Sylvia want to learn more than heresay about wind power, you might try here:
You can download a trial copy of mathcad if you want to check the calcs, especially those of Betz' Law ( the fundamental physical law for the aerodynamics of wind turbines).
Here is a link to proof of the therum if you just want to read it, and not take the time to calculate and learn it yourself.
Here is a link to a book I read after Sylvia's initial post last week. Well worth the download (3.5meg). It is quite long, but gives a good idea of the Danish wind power generation system, how it works, and delves into very good reasons why wind power will only ever be a trickle feed system to existing power generation.
Talking about economics of power generation is all well and good - when you have the luxury of existing nuclear and fossil fuel station already chugging away generating power.
Just stop the existing forms of power generation for a couple of days, and you will have a pretty reliable indication of the consistancy and value of solar, thermal, wave and wind power as a sole provider.
I agree with you whole heartedly on one point - the government does own it to us to put money into development of alternative energy so that in the future we will not be reliant on the technology of other countries.
I understand they are stopping the rebate for the installation of solar panels (voltaic cell trickle feed system) on homes.
If that is an indication of the governments current foresight, then God help us all.
Artie...
