Wind turbines debate

Alison Hill, head of communications for the British Wind Energy Association, the trade and professional body for the UK wind industry vs. Alison Hill, vice-chairperson of Country Guardian, the conservation organisation opposed to commercial wind farms

Dear Ann,

We live in an age where we have a greater understanding than ever before that the effects of the way we generate our electricity represent a clear and present threat to our environment and to us. We’re also at a point in history in which we see ourselves moving from the luxury of having almost too much energy to a situation in which we are less certain about our future sources. Wind energy offers a solution to both these crises. Wind power in the UK generates electricity at some of the lowest prices in Europe from a fuel that will never run out and which has a capacity that is equivalent to several times our total electricity needs.

Not only that, wind power brings with it many benefits – both environmental and economic. Every unit of electricity generated from a wind turbine displaces one that would otherwise be generated from fossil fuels, and thus prevents the emission of several greenhouse gases.

Economically, wind...

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