False information in the media ...

Here are some interesting comments by "A.L" and "P.M." from a BBC discussion board about energy and renewables. My reason for using them is that the BBC only keeps comments on line for a short time.

I hope you don't mind my using your contribution, but if you do not want to be quoted, send an email, and I'll remove it. I have reduced your names to initials and have edited slightly to avoid reference to particular products- N.D.

My email address is suttonelms (at) ukonline.co.uk

A.L.
There was recently an article in the magazine 'Building for a Future' which cast doubt on two brands of domestic wind turbine. At least one of these does not allow you to sell your surplus back to the grid. I've asked them about this, and they have confirmed this is the case.

The result is that if you generate large amounts of energy on a windy night, the chances are most of it will dribble away into the local grid unused. This will have a significant impact on payback times.

However, there are quicker and easier ways to do your bit for the planet. Eighteen months ago, we started monitoring our electricity use daily; it's a hobby - I have two small children and don't get out much. Anyway, we found that simply replacing our old fridge and freezers with a single large model, as energy efficient as we could afford, has knocked more than 10% off our energy usage. If you're considering microgeneration, ask yourself if you've cut down on your energy usage as much as possible by less glamorous methods first. For the energy you use, why not sign up for a green tariff: we use RSPB energy.

P.M.

I am a professional electrical engineer and have a keen interest in all things 'green' related to electricity. I have often looked at the published data for both wind turbines and wind farms as well as apparently learned papers from proponents of wind power and it is worrying how much misinformation is published under credible banners.

When you consider how much power and influence the various green organisations hold over government we should all be very concerned.

Compiled by Nigel Deacon, habitat21 website

Back to top