Ireland to build 'giant' wind turbines to power UK homes

[Bosonic]

Source: BBC

UK and Irish ministers will today sign an agreement that could see some of the world's largest wind turbines built across the Irish midlands.

Stretching more than 600 feet (180 metres) in the air, the towers are set to generate energy for millions of UK homes from 2017.

The companies involved say the Irish power is a cheaper form of renewable than UK offshore wind.

But environmentalists have described the scheme as "crazy". They say it risks damaging Ireland's landscape.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21147279

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[fasttense]

1. Wow, looks like about half of Ireland will be turned into a wind farm for the British.

So glad the British can continue to exploit the Irish natural resources.

Just like during the Potato Famine. The British continued to export millions of pounds of lamb and grain from Ireland, they continued to prevent the Irish citizen from hunting and fishing, all the while the Irish were starving to death. Now the British will take billions of dollars in natural energy off the Green Isle all the while the Irish suffer austerity.

Can't have those wind farms covering English land, now can we?

[Maeve]

3. The bigger problem is whether or not it will work

First, the Brits will be paying for this and it would provide Irish jobs and income. As long as the land is Irish, it's not quite like the Great Hunger. However, the Midlands aren't particularly windy.
I think the idea will pass or not based on its practicality.

[harmonicon]

5. Huh?! (nt)

[dipsydoodle]

6. It will provide the Republic with much needed export income.

That will help end austerity there. Given that output in excess of the Republics own requirements is expected to be able to fulfill 10% of the UK's requirements the Republic cannot lose from this.

[pampango]

10. "Now the British will take billions of dollars in natural energy off the Green Isle ..."

The UK will just take billions of dollars worth of energy or they will pay the Irish billions of dollars for the energy they produce? Ireland would be better off if the British built the wind farms on British soil and kept the billions of dollars from the Irish people?

Makes one feel sorry for Saudi Arabia. How dare we just take all that oil from them?

[Nihil]

11. Wow, looks like someone didn't bother reading before they started their little rant. (n/t)

[joanbarnes]

4. Risk of wind spill and danger of wind pollution.

[daleo]

12. And wind generators will stir up carbon dioxide

Thus enhancing the greenhouse effect.

Not to mention wind related meltdowns and radioactive fallout.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

7. Call me crazy.

But I think wind farms are beautiful. They aren't perfect environmentally, but you don't end up with spills, smog, and you don't need to bury the waste in side of a mountain because its so dangerous.

[DavidDvorkin]

8. I agree with you

They are beautiful.

[Joel thakkar]

9. good

but are they affordable?