DEAR News Of The Area,

I TAKE exception to the claim of Kate Washington that a small group of “reckless and resentful thugs” are spreading misinformation about offshore wind farms.

The energy needs of the community are not what they were 40 years ago when the majority of the current coal fired power plants were commissioned in the Hunter Valley.

The needs have increased substantially and as such, we need more reliable base load, be that coal or gas, supplemented by other means.

My concerns are these.

Land based wind turbines have a projected life of about fifteen to twenty years. Who then pays for the replacement of this technology?

What happens to the old blades that cannot be broken down?

Offshore wind farms are more susceptible to the elements, therefore require more costly maintenance and have a shorter life span.

What are the replacement costs at ten years or thereabouts?

Our current coal fired power stations are at the end of their life.

Had investment been made either when the government owned them or shortly afterward going into private hands, we would have new greener coal power generation into the next century.

Offshore is simply not an option.

The business case does not stack up.

No lies, no reckless statements, that is the fact!

Regards,
Doug BELL,
Raymond Terrace.