Myth 1: Wind and Solar Will Displace Coal

Myth #2: Fossil Fuels Get More “Subsidies” Than Renewables

Myth #3: Americans Will be Using Less Electricity

Myth #4: Only Renewable Energy Systems are Evolving

Myth #5: Europe is the Example to Follow

Myth 1: Wind and Solar Will Displace Coal

Although growing in importance, wind and solar power are not expected to displace coal in the years ahead because they are only available “when the sun shines” and “when the wind blows.” The EIA’s National Energy Modeling System doesn’t forecast a wind and solar “explosion” as some want to claim because technical and physical limitations make them less reliable and more expensive. EIA-cited low capacity factors for wind (35%) and solar (23%), which often fall below 10%, are a constraining factor in our consumer-based society, where reliable electricity is needed on demand. Wind power, for instance, is best late at night when demand is lowest. Perhaps the best thing we can do for renewables is to move the focus away from deployment at all costs and center on more R&D to store electricity at utility-scale. Without greater storage options, wind and solar will remain much more “supplemental” than “alternative.” Carnegie Mellon’s Electricity Industry Center warns of a public backlash from higher costs if we try to install renewables too quickly: many Renewable Portfolio Standards are now being pulled back. Even our best costs estimates for renewables are often incomplete because they omit the requirement for new transmission and backup generation (“spinning reserve”) that comes from more reliable fossil fuels. It must also be noted here that wind and solar energy are not “new,” as many like to claim, but are among the oldest sources. The windmill goes back at least 3,000 years to ancient Persia (today’s Iran), and the ancient Egyptians utilized solar energy to heat their homes.

read more: Forbes, 2014/12/28, Jude Clemente

An Ontario court has dismissed a set of appeals from four families that sought to have provincial legislation related to the approvals of large-scale wind farms declared unconstitutional.

In a decision released on Monday, a panel of three Divisional Court judges ruled against the claims of the families who were concerned about the potential health effects of living as close as 500 metres to the turbines.

The families had argued that provincial legislation makes it impossible to scuttle a project on the basis of potential health impacts.

The case was considered the first constitutional challenge to the Green Energy Act to reach the appellate court level.

At issue was the proposed $850-million K2 Wind project, which would see 140 turbines put up near Goderich, Ont., the 92-turbine Armow wind farm near Kincardine, Ont., as well as the smaller 15-turbine St. Columban project near Seaforth, Ont. Continue reading Ontario families lose court bid to stop wind turbines →

Until Dec. 22, they lived less than a mile from one of the turbines, within a mile of five more. Each of the 16 turbines are taller than 500 feet and within two miles of their home.

Help has come from many of the family’s supporters — from people in Sheffield to the Danby-based Vermonters for a Clean Environment.

VCE executive director Annette Smith dipped into inheritance funds her parents left her to purchase the used trailer for the couple, saying she feared for the Therriens’ lives while trying to survive another winter on the mountain.

Ultimately, with VCE’s help, the Therriens’ former home will be turned into a motel of sorts. Guests will be educated on the effects of living near an industrial wind project site, said Smith.

“We are going to set it up as the First Wind Motel, that is our plan, and people can come up and experience it firsthand,” said Luann. A minimum stay of several nights will be required so the experience is meaningful, said Smith, adding that the same idea is being discussed near a wind project in another state.

Smith said, “Someone will be staying at the house in Sheffield after the Therrien family leaves.”

‘This family was out of time’: Sheffield family resettled with help   http://www.vermonttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20141228/NEW…;

Citizens’ Task Force on Wind Power – Maine

The NRWC project : Wellandport

 The photo below will be of interest to residents of West Lincoln, Wainfleet and Haldimand that will be living near the 115Kv transmission line that NRWC proposes to install along our rural county road allowances.

Continue reading Stray Voltage from Turbine Transmission Line light up Fluorescent Light Bulb. →

Our deepest sympathies to Bill and his family for this tragic loss of a wonderful caring lady.

Obituary for Carol Barker

Barker, Carol Ann

Passed away at Hamilton General Hospital on Wednesday, December 17th, 2014 with her loving husband and friends by her side. Carol who was in her 70th year had just recently adopted Gunther into our family of horses, dogs, cats and pet duck. Beautiful Carol was known by everyone to have an open heart for any animal in need of help: cats in the culvert, dogs in rescue programs, and even a duck that just dropped into the farm. Carol was an avid horse lover. As a wedding present she bought her husband, Bill Morris, a horse. That led to thirty-seven years of horse shows across Canada and the US. Carol rode and placed at the Paint Horse Congress in Wichita on HF Skips Supreme. Carol, raised: an APHA World Champion, Dontyoujustloveme; an APHA Reserve World Champion My Oh My and her favourite CC (Don’t Skip Charlene). Carol always tried to help other people. There are quite number of young people who benefited from Carol providing them with a good horse to learn on (7L’s Shanandoah, HF Skips Sly Fox, Andy Rap, and Skips Jube). Continue reading Our deepest sympathies. →