OrionWorks wrote:
EU
> power authorities have been issuing fines to Danish power
> companies for delivering unwanted excess wind power. Wind
> provides ~24% of power in Denmark overall.
What a hoot! Can you clarify? Whose applecart are they upsetting?
It damages the network. It isn't that they don't want wind power! No
one in Europe is opposed to alternative energy or conservation.
In the U.S., George Will and others are campaigning against these
things, especially wind power and compact florescent lighting. There
is a move to phase out old fashioned incandescent lights. Some newer,
more expensive ones are being introduced. I can't imagine why, when
we are on the verge of introducing LCD lights.
I recently read some right-wing commentator calling incandescent
lights "reliable" and safe compared to the "mercury poison gas" CFLs.
That's kind of ridiculous. CFLs are much cooler and safer and last 20
times longer. The mercury is only released at home if you break one.
I have broken exactly one in 25 years. Conventional incandescent
lights release far more mercury and also radioactive thorium and
uranium, when you count emissions from the power plants needed to
produce 4 to 8 times more electricity needed to power them.
George Will computed approximately how much gas you would need to
drive to the store to recycle one burned-out CFL, and added that
amount to the total energy burden of CFLs to show that they use more
energy than other bulbs. Why would you make a special trip every time
one burns out? I recycle plastic grocery bags a couple times a year,
while making a regular shopping trip. Will also claims that a Prius
uses more energy than a Hummer, based on an incredible set of
calculations. He is either lying or innumerate. Don't expect people
like him to advocate cold fusion.
- Jed
