A terrible case of wind !

[prv]

Long-term water pollution would be a nasty problem, if it is a consequence of fracking.

The layers of rock that are fractured are several kilometers underground, so far below the levels that groundwater is found in as to be geologically irrelevant to them (according to my geologist brother, anyway).

In the US they have managed in a couple of cases to break the concrete that lines the borehole and contaminate groundwater that the well passes through. But that's not unique to fracking, it's a hazard of any oil or gas drilling. In the EU they are required to run a device down the well (called a "cement log" I believe) to test the lining before use, and they're able to repair it if required.

Pete

 

[Barr Avel]

Interesting point, that...about how often wind turbines are not turning, not producing power, not paying for themselves...

...now, suppose those turbines, elegant or execrable, were based in deep water, where they'd turn in the tide, not the wind...

...so, totally predictable schedules of power-generation could be based on the tide-tables, and they'd turn 23hrs per day...

...plus, they wouldn't be spoiling anyone's view!

I wonder if wind-turbines' high-visibility is the politicians' real reason why wind power has investment-precedence over tide?

Tidal turbines are currently being tested by EDF off the coast of Brittany

Video Animation on EDF's site:
http://innovation.edf.com/des-projets-innovants/les-hydroliennes-41420.html

 

[Heckler]

Why "god forbid"?

Coal power emits more radiation to the environment than nuclear power does, and has killed and injured vastly more people over the years.

Pete

+1
plus did you know that the sludge at the bottom of gas oil separators is radio active?
Stu

 

[Heckler]

The layers of rock that are fractured are several kilometers underground, so far below the levels that groundwater is found in as to be geologically irrelevant to them (according to my geologist brother, anyway).

In the US they have managed in a couple of cases to break the concrete that lines the borehole and contaminate groundwater that the well passes through. But that's not unique to fracking, it's a hazard of any oil or gas drilling. In the EU they are required to run a device down the well (called a "cement log" I believe) to test the lining before use, and they're able to repair it if required.

Pete

+1 again, prob is the inconvenient truth gets in the way of metropolitan, islington chattering class's after dinner gossip!
Stu

 

[A1Sailor]

Tidal turbines are currently being tested by EDF off the coast of Brittany

...and in the UK in the sound of Islay and off Orkney - which is where the vessel in your pic is from.

 

[Whiskey Bravo]

If you didn't need the fossil or nuclear capacity for when the wind doesn't blow, yes.

Like it or not, I'm afraid that nuclear power is the only way we can expect to have a stable power supply for the foreseeable future. Long-term, I expect fusion to take over from fission.

+ many.

 

[Greenheart]

Tidal turbines are currently being tested by EDF off the coast of Brittany

Video Animation on EDF's site:
http://innovation.edf.com/des-projets-innovants/les-hydroliennes-41420.html

Thanks for finding that.

I know tidal power isn't suitable for every patch of seawater, but where it does work, what could be better?

I especially like the way those tide-turbines are mobile - float 'em to wherever the tide flows fastest then sink them. If you want to move it elsewhere or for maintenance, I assume they can be refloated? I didn't understand the French lady.

Why do we have thousands of eyesore-wind-turbines already planted and active, twirling irregularly, day and night...when meanwhile, the same funding, effort & industry might have turned out enormous tide-driven dynamos which we wouldn't even have to look at?