Supersizing thousands of wind turbines across Scotland’s countryside may not be the most green way to cut global warming because the structures could be cancelling out the carbon-cutting contribution made by the ground underneath them, a government-funded report has warned. The majority of wind farms are on peatland, where weather conditions are typically better for producing maximum green power to help reduce carbon emissions. But experts at Glasgow and Aberdeen universities point out that the soil they are built on is also a valuable natural store of carbon that cuts emissions – and the turbines could be affecting that role. Turbines across Scotland are set to rise in height from about 100 metres to 170 metres to harness “better wind”, reducing overall numbers and cutting bills for consumers as the industry works to meet government renewable energy targets.
Times 18th Nov 2018 read more »