Wind energy-an option for the UK?

The author reviews the progress made in developing modern wind turbines to generate electricity and summarises developments in the UK. The environmental benefits and disadvantages of using wind energy are discussed in detail. Among the topic covered are land use, visual intrusion, noise, interference with flora and fauna as well as an objective assessment of the pollution avoided by using wind turbines. The author also discusses the public perception of, and acceptance of, wind turbines and how proposed wind energy developments are being assessed by local planning authorities. The long-term potential of wind energy in the UK and Europe is reviewed.