Billions needed for Wind farm back up

[BlasterBates]

Energy giants want billions for back-up to windfarms | This is Money

All in a good cause.

[Fred Bloggs]

Incredible isn't it? I knew this all along, why didn't the politicians who run the country realise this? I am amazed it has taken so long to work out that when all the present base load coal fired and nuclear plant is closed, then the lights will go out unless we have just the right kind of wind.

[Scrag Meister]

And I thought one of the driving forces for new engery sources, such as wind, was the fact that Gas was going to be running our in our lifetime.

[TimberWolf]

There must be overcapacity built into the current system already, because demand is variable and hence supply too. We just need another 20 or 30% built in, or do something smart like build the Severn Barrage, pumped storage, smart metres, buy electricity from Europe, shiver, etc.

[Doggy Styles]

Aren't there a lot of problems with noise polution from wind farms? There was a couple in the Times over the weekend who couldn't sleep because of it.

[Coalman]

The energy gap will be a reality, and it cannot be rectified in time without a change in policy, i.e. keeping some existing coal/nuclear stations open beyond their current closure dates. This goes against EU regs though (and safety cases against the nukes).

50% (approx 7) of our coal fired power stations will be closing in the next 2-3 years due to emission regulation, age of plant and wind down of maintenance due to closure plans. One or two may re-open as purely wood burning power stations but with severely restricted output.

There are currently 3-4 gas fired power stations of similar capacity commissioning now or due for completion by the time the coalers go off line.

This gap is not significant as the drop in demand during the recession and spare capacity in the system can cover this.

The big problem is the nukes, all but one (about 7) will be decommissioned by 2023 under current plans, with their replacements not due on line until the late 2020s.

The current renewable sources and planned renewable sources have no chance to meet this shortfall. More gas stations will be required (they are quick to build - 2-3 years to get online after planning).

Looks like we will need to buy from France as they continue their nuclear programme. Oh hold the Germans are shutting their nukes so will need to buy in power as well - they will pay more than the UK.

Anyone starting a candle making business looks a good investment at the moment!

This may seem a bit bleak but the output of renewable sources just doesn't cut it. More fossil powered stations are required (more business for me!!) whether the green lobby require it otherwise their iPads will stop working.

[Troll]

There must be overcapacity built into the current system already, because demand is variable and hence supply too. We just need another 20 or 30% built in, or do something smart like build the Severn Barrage, pumped storage, smart metres, buy electricity from Europe, shiver, etc.

The Severn Barrage was recently rejected on costs grounds

£30 billion seems a tad expensive

Thorium power... that's the future!

[TimberWolf]

The Severn Barrage was recently rejected on costs grounds

£30 billion seems a tad expensive

Thorium power... that's the future!

Probably £2.99 billion of that is people filling their boots. How expensive can it be to get the unemployed to mix some earth and cement and plonk some turbines in the resulting mound and flood Wales? About thruppence?

[scooterscot]

The sooner bills go up to meet the price for building that extra capacity the better.

Nuclear energy is not an option our children should have to bare.

[Troll]

Probably £2.99 billion of that is people filling their boots. How expensive can it be to get the unemployed to mix some earth and cement and plonk some turbines in the resulting mound and flood Wales? About thruppence?

Agreed ... as the UK de-skills the only available contenders with the resources for major Infrastructure projects become effectively cartels who can (& do) dream up inflated quotes knowing there is little alternative