14 DAY TRIAL // In times when the field of renewables is expected to bloom, Prince Philip makes a shocking statement. In his opinion, wind farms are part of a modern “fairytale” and represent an “absolutely useless” invention, have to go through the governments' pockets for financial support and “will never work.”
This statement is part of a more ample private discussion with the director of a wind farm, Esbjorn Wilmar, from Infinergy, during a reception hosted in London, according to the Guardian.
His unexpected attack towards wind turbines might modify the public opinion's perception of the future of alternative sources of power. Furthermore, such a radical statement can decrease the popularity of a field of activity which is already challenged by its own lack of maturity.
Even if major companies operating in the industry of renewables will find ways of boosting their profit margins, Duke of Edinburgh's lack of confidence in the progress of green sources of energy will most likely influence a segment of the population.
Wind farms are nothing but “a disgrace.” This was Prince Phillip's fierce response to Wilmar's attempt to highlight the importance of wind farms in the overall development of a greener economy, liberated from its oil and coal dependency that is worth millions of dollars every year.
His argument was dismissed in a matter of seconds, as Duke of Edinburgh stated that the wind industry wasn't capable of standing on its own two feet.
“He said they were absolutely useless, completely reliant on subsidies and an absolute disgrace. I was surprised by his very frank views.[...]He said [the Duke of Edinburgh] “You don't believe in fairy tales do you?” He said that they would never work as they need back-up capacity,” reported Wilmar, according to the Guardian.
At this point in time, experts agree that wind turbines are indeed ugly and do not function at their entire capacity, because the market of renewables isn't mature enough.
All in all, these sources can still prove their utility, by exploiting up to 30% of their entire potential, at this point in time.
While taking into consideration the carbon costs, there will come a time when experts will announce a parity between the traditional sources of power, limited and expensive, and renewables, pushing the wind power far away from its current “disgraceful” position.