Originally published August 20 2005
Wind power incentives in Germany create runaway investment and poor implementation
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Since the German government began offering powerful incentives for wind power, many investors have been erecting wind parks as fast as they can. Unfortunately, little thought has been given to the stability of the wind source and the aesthetic changes to the German countryside.
CURWOOD: From the Jennifer and Ted Stanley Studios in Somerville, Massachusetts, this is Living on Earth.
Today, the fickle force of the wind can be seen in its power to generate both electricity and controversy.
Advocates say modern wind turbines provide unlimited, pollution-free power.
Our story begins in the nation that leads the world in turning the wind into electric power: Germany.
On the remains of what was once the largest open pit coal mine in Europe, 44 modern windmills now stand.
Manager Henri Louvenhart takes us to the top of one of the giant machines to show how wind power is transforming the German landscape.
LOUVENHART: And you can notice from up here also the contrast between the destruction of the old energy production of the mines, where the landscape was completely altered and changed to the new high tech and alternative source of energy that the wind park provides, which is yet a cleaner and more environmentally-friendly and safer.
MENGEL: My name is Hans Jochiam Mengel.
When there's no wind you have no energy.
And, second, he believes government incentives and industry subsidies have led to runaway development of wind parks by investors just out to make a fast buck.
He ran for parliament and came in second in regional elections solely on a platform that claimed wind parks are destroying the cultural heritage of Europe.
And, therefore, having made these experiences, we think we should have, if you want to spread the wind energy worldwide and we want to do this, you need clear standards so that you can develop this without harm for environment or human beings.
Wind power supporters accuse the coal and nuclear lobbies of fueling the protests.
And they dismiss critics as "gross-st�dters," city slickers, who don't want to see the views at their country weekend country homes spoiled.
Even the man who designed the E-112 says the German government's goals are overly ambitious.
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