On or around Sun, 14 Dec 2003 03:46:21 +0000, Stewart
enlightened us thusly:


And you have to define where you measure the start point of the energy
dept from. The amount of electricity used? The amount of coal burnt to
produce that electricity? The amount of coal + its extraction and
transport energy? Don't forget that coal fired power stations (50% of
electricity production in the UK) are hugely inefficient in terms of
converting fuel into electricity. Seems to me that there is plenty of
scope for an advocate either way to spin the figures up.

you've also to consider the energy used in mining and refining the material
to make windmills, although, of course, you have to consider that for
alternatives, too.

I don't relish the prospect of wind turbines marching across the
countryside, but I won't easily buy the notion that they produce less
energy that it takes to make the damn things.

AOL

and apparently, the offshore windmills suggested are nearer to 50%
functional than the 33% claimed for land-based ones.

--
Austin Shackles. www.ddol-las.fsnet.co.uk my opinions are just that
"If you cannot mould yourself as you would wish, how can you expect
other people to be entirely to your liking?"
Thomas À Kempis (1380 - 1471) Imitation of Christ, I.xvi.