Alberta’s electricity grid is characterized as deregulated and thermally dependent with a growing number of wind power facilities. Using a model to simulate both the unit commitment and economic dispatch decisions of the system operator, the total net CO2 reductions that result from the addition of wind energy into a heavily fossil-fuel based grid are estimated, assuming that contingency reserves are provided by part-loaded natural-gas fired units. Increasing wind generation levels lead to increased CO2 levels from reserve energy production but total CO2 levels decline slightly.

In the Ontario electricity generation sector, this paper shows that selection of an intermittent carbon free wind generator actually increases the carbon emissions by displacing other carbon free generators, nuclear and hydraulic, and requiring the operation of carbon emitting natural gas and even coal generators to provide support for when the intermittent wind generation routinely falls in output. The introduction and conclusion of this paper are shown below. The full paper can be accessed by clicking on the link(s) at the bottom of this page.

This paper provides a pointed critique of a earlier study which concluded the State of New York could be powered entirely on renewable energy. The authors argue that the analysis performed to show renewables could power NYS was insufficient and failed to consider the economic, technical and social barriers to an all-renewable scenario. The introduction and conclusion of the paper are provided below. Click on the link(s) at the bottom of this page to access the full document.

Economist Robert Michaels PhD presented this important testimony at a hearing before the Oversight Subcommittee and Energy Subcommittee of the Committee on Space, Science, and Technology. Dr. Michaels addresses the inefficiencies of wind energy and high costs of the technology. The purpose of his testimony is provided below. To access the full testimony, click on the link(s) at the bottom of this page.

The U.S. House Subcommittee on Oversight and Subcommittee on Energy conducted an informative hearing on wind energy. The charter of the hearing, the witnesses who appeared and links to their testimony as well as detailed background information on the purpose of the hearing were released in this document prepared by staffers for the Committee.

This useful report prepared by the California Public Utilities Commission for the Legislature examines the high cost of California's renewable portfolio standard which mandates 33% of the state's electricity needs come from renewable energy.

Dr. Ross McKitrick, Professor of Economics at the University of Guelph specializing in energy and environmental policy, submitted these comments regarding the K2 Wind Power Project to the Ontario Energy Board. A summary of his comments are excerpted below. His full letter can be accessed by selecting the links at the bottom of this page.

The following speech was given on the floor of the Australian Parliament, House of Representatives, by the Member for Hume, Alby Schultz. Mr. Schultz addresses the failure of the Waubra wind farm and others to operate within the limits of their permits, the high cost and inefficient operation of wind turbines and, what he deems fraudulent issue of RECs to shell companies overseas.

This analysis examines the constraints of deploying wind energy and the upper limits of how much wind can be installed. The executive summary is provided below. The full report can be accessed by clicking on the links at the bottom of this page.

The Scottish Conservatives released this policy statement recommending that the number of planned onshore wind farms be substantially reduced in Scotland and their subsidy cut by fifty per cent to limit household bills. A subset of the report is provided below. Select the links at the bottom of this page to access the full report.