Wind energy could power all UK homes by 2020

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offshore-turbine-wind-uk.jpgThis is according to a man called John Hutton, who is calling for us lot to get our act together and install 7000 offshore wind turbines to take the lead in generating free electric out of the very air we breathe.

Hutton is the business secretary of the government. You wouldn’t think a secretary would be allowed to send out press releases about forward-thinking energy plans, but he has.

Hutton points out that the pushy old EU is expecting all European countries to generate 20% of their power using renewable sources by 2020, so this tallies in nicely – and those 7000 offshore turbines would produce enough energy to power all our TVs, kettles and LCD TVs. But you might have to turn off your Xbox 360 off in the winter months.

Apparently we are already nearly winners at all this green power business – next year the UK will overtake Denmark as the country that generates the most power from offshore wind sources. Although this renewable stuff only contributes 2% to our total energy supply.

We hope you have enjoyed this factual update about energy production! This blog isn’t only about new kinds of phone, you know!

(Via BBC)

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Gary Cutlack
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2 comments

  • where did you get the article picture from?

    @ecobore: are you suggesting that it would be feasible to install an offshore wind turbine that requires a 100 acre footprint?

  • In principle this is a great thing, however, conventional wind turbines generate limited current and require a fair amount of wind and maintenance. They will also forever change the look of the UK coastline. We are now on the cusp of a new generation or maglev wind turbines that are capable of generating 1GW each (enough to power a town of 750,000 in the US (so probably nearly double that in the UK!)) It is vitally important that assuming that the new turbines get the go ahead, we install only these newer variates. There will be much less visual interference (due to the fact that far fewer are needed,) and considerably less long term maintenance. Please do take a look at:

    http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/07/colossal_magnet.php

    Certainly these turbines will entail a larger initial outlay (but bearing in mind the sheer quantity that we will need, costs could easily be only a little more than conventional turbines…) and it is a given that public pressure will be needed to ensure that the more expensive option is followed.

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