This paper contains a simple analysis of the amount of greenhouse gas emissions avoided by wind power and the cost per tonne of emissions avoided. It puts these figures in context by comparing them with some other ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation.

The conclusion: wind farms connected to the National Grid provide low value energy at high cost, and avoid little greenhouse gas emissions.

The paper covers the following:

1. Background
2. Electricity generation cost per MW/h
3. Greenhouse gas emissions per MWh
4. Emissions avoided per MWh
5. Cost of emissions avoided per MWh
6. Comparison with other options to reduce emissions from electricity generation
7. Discussions
8. Conclusions
9. References

About the Author

Peter Lang is a retired engineer with 40 years experience on a wide range of energy projects throughout the world, including managing energy R&D and providing policy advice for government and opposition. His experience includes: coal, oil, gas, hydro, geothermal, nuclear power plants and nuclear waste disposal (6.5 years managing a component of the Canadian Nuclear Fuel Waste Management Program).