Horns Reef [wind farm in Denmark] is emblematic of enormous subsidies to industries that would not exist in a free market. In the U.S., such industries are being supported by massive government subsidies and tax write-offs that shift the cost of resulting electricity to unsuspecting Americans' tax bills and monthly electricity bills.

RE: 'Wind farm off Virginia coast is doable,' front page, Aug. 31: One of the proponents from Old Dominion University was quoted as saying it 'really seems to make sense.' However, aspects of the story pointing to the success of the Horns Reef wind farm in Denmark made little sense to me.

It experienced numerous problems with its transformers and generators, requiring dismantling of all 80 units. Furthermore, repairs on-site were not an option because of rough weather conditions in the North Sea. As a consequence, all nacelles and blades were transported ashore to accomplish repairs.

Horns Reef is emblematic of enormous subsidies to industries that would not exist in a free market.

In the U.S., such industries are being supported by massive government subsidies and tax write-offs that shift the cost of resulting electricity to unsuspecting Americans' tax bills and monthly electricity bills.

Web link: http://hamptonroads.com/2008/09/windy-logic