Norway Wants to Be Europe’s Battery

[d000hg]

Why can't excess energy be stored in like a giant Ever Ready battery? Is that technically possible?

Materials are expensive. And it's not very environmentally friendly

[TykeMerc]

Why can't excess energy be stored in like a giant Ever Ready battery? Is that technically possible?

Technically, almost certainly yes, practically and financially, more than likely no.

[JRCT]

Yes we do. We don't have the vast tracts of empty space but we certainly have some good countryside where there is lots of wind and no people.

People aren't, and shouldn't be, the only consideration when it comes to wind turbines.

Unfortunately, most sites that are identified as good for wind farms are also important sites for birds and other wildlife.

For example, Barvis Moor in the Outer Hebrides had an application for c140 turbines, which would have been the largest on-shore farm in the UK. This was turned down, mainly due to the ecological importance of the peat moor and how reliant ground nesting birds are on the moor. Also, 20% of the UKs eagles are resident in the Hebrides. They are regularly killed by turbines on other sites around the world. Not very eco-friendly.

[d000hg]

OK, then the wildlife can have acid rain instead. Which is more damaging, a few birds getting minced or the whole ecology changing because none of the indigenous plants can survive any more?

[darmstadt]

Not too mention Norway has masses of money from oil that it can reinvest

And quite possibly a lot more attractive women

[minestrone]

We should just build new nuclear power stations and have guaranteed power for the next 60 years.

No pissing about, no carving up the countryside so cities full of oiks can watch Eastenders.

[scooterscot]

We should just build new nuclear power stations and have guaranteed power for the next 60 years.

No pissing about, no carving up the countryside so cities full of oiks can watch Eastenders.

What about climate change? And the prosperity of future generations?

[zemoxyl]

Pumped storage has been around for decades.

Satisfy your pumping power needs with wind generated and your operating power requirements are (almost) free.

Perpetual motion.

I think we have 4 of these already in GB and plenty of room/scope for more than enough to become a year round exporter.

Thank goodness for that! Somebody (here) has worked it out.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...power_stations

[JRCT]

OK, then the wildlife can have acid rain instead. Which is more damaging, a few birds getting minced or the whole ecology changing because none of the indigenous plants can survive any more?

If it was 'a few' then you might have an arguement. But it's not. That IS the point.

[d000hg]

If it was 'a few' then you might have an arguement. But it's not. That IS the point.

So fill 1/4 with windmills and let the birds have the rest.

Or paint them pink, or use it as an object lesson in biology when all the stupid birds die out.