The National Center for Policy Analysis reports on a new study by two researchers out of the UK which looked into the actual efficiency of wind farms operating in that country. NCPA summarizes the results as follows:

  • The research, carried out by Stuart Young Consulting for the John Muir Trust, analyzed electricity generated from UK wind farms between November 2008 and December 2010.
  • Statements made by the wind industry and government agencies commonly assert that wind turbines will generate on average 30 percent of their rated capacity over a year.
  • But the research found wind generation was below 20 percent of capacity more than half the time and below 10 percent of capacity over one third of the time.

The study also challenged industry claims that periods of widespread low wind were “infrequent.”

  • The average frequency and duration of a “low wind event” was once every 6.38 days for 4.93 hours.
  • During each of the four highest peak demands of 2010, wind output reached just 4.72 percent, 5.51 percent, 2.59 percent and 2.51 percent of capacity, according to the analysis.
  • It concluded wind behaves in a “quite different manner” from that suggested by average output figures or wind speed records.

Unfortunately for North Carolinians the reigning Republican majority in the General Assembly refuses to take seriously proposals to repeal North Carolina’s law (SB3) requiring the state’s electricity customers to pay extra for inefficient wind and solar generated electricity. In spite of their rhetoric calling for freer markets and reduced government regulations the state’s GOP legislative leaders stand in total alliance with the state utility monopolies and the state’s left wing environmental lobby in supporting forced energy inefficiency. In the only cost-benefit analysis done of SB3 it has been estimated that the bill is costing the state thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in lost production. The analysis shows no countervailing benefits. To date this analysis has had no impact on the legislature’s willingness to reassess its position or alliances.

Note: From Article IX, no. 2 of the North Carolina Republican Party Platform,

If regulation is needed to protect the environment, government should not proceed without evidence that the benefits warrant the cost.

But come on Cordato, everyone knows that political party platforms are just words meant to keep the ideologues happy. No one really takes them seriously when it comes to actual governing. Get real.