2 Responses to The Quest for Vertical Axis Wind Turbines Despite Failures

1. I heard that wind turbines cost more to build than they actually save in the long run. Is this true?

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   • While I’m not an expert in these matters, I understand in some parts of the world people can make significant savings over a number of years. Certainly in some European countries, policy now supports investment for domestic alternative and sustainable energy generation through subsidies. Consider also what you mean by ‘save’. Are you referring to savings on energy bills? Are you referring to savings on carbon emissions?

     When you refer to building turbines, are you referring to large scale wind farms or small scale domestic installations? Certainly the former requires considerable capital investment, although economies of scale do operate. California has had some large farms since the 80s; the United Kingdom has a number completed, both on shore and off, with several more either under development or planned. On shore farms may present some planning permission challenges, depending on where they’re sited; off shore are more capital intensive.

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