Mepa issues consultation document on small wind turbines

M. Debono

Jul 31st 2009, 07:09

@E. Bartolo

Thoug I agree with you that Solar Concentration Power is the solution of the world's electrical energy, it has two disadvantages regarding Malta.
1. It needs a very large area, a small area cannot be considered as in order to function properly they need a certain temperature, which cannot be achieved if less mirrors are used, though the through system, can be used on a smaller scale, it is less efficient.
2. SCP needs clear skies all year round to be economically viable, the reason being that it is very expensive to build and needs more than double the amount of specialized workers than conventional power stations.

Therefore these are ideal for deserts.

Interesting fact,

If only 2% of the Sahara desert is utilized for this amazing technology, all the world's electrical demand would be met, whilst producing water as a by product, which is invaluable in a desert. In fact Libya is investigating a lot of money in this technology, knowing their oil resources are finite.

G.Portelli

Jul 30th 2009, 19:42

There already exist on the market wind turbines with a noise output of less than that emanated by a moving diesel car, and aestetically beautiful. A combination of wind turbines and PV panels is ideal for our islands.

A. Calleja

Jul 30th 2009, 18:29

@ABorg
The small wind turbine is not the only alternative... as a country we should not limit ourselves to solar panels and wind turbines only.... there are many other technologies such as the example mentioned by Mr. Bartolo

ABorg

Jul 30th 2009, 18:11

We often hear of someone suggesting the installation of small domestic rooftop generators. The smaller the generators the more noise and vibration it produces. We have read recently how very little consideration this country gives to noise pollution although there are EU directives. I am very pleased to note that Mepa is taking the problem of noise pollution produced by wind turbines seriously. Mepa officials could visit Imriehel and listen to the small wind generator installed by Wasteserv (in front of Homemate entrance) to gain some idea of the noise generated. Hear it working on a very windly day - the ear-splitting din could be heard from far away. Could you kindly explain how poor residents are expected to live and sleep with that kind of noise if ever such (ugly?) devices start being installed on roof tops? I remember reading in the paper a few years ago a few years ago that a Marsascala resident installed a small generator in her garden. Well-intentioned it may be have been but her neighbours were up it arms to have it removed because of the noise it generated..

edward bartolo

Jul 30th 2009, 13:07

Why not use the strong infra-red solar output? Unlike wind, that is almost available almost all year round. Mirrors can be used to produce steam to drive turbines, which, in turn, power generators.

Is it possible that there is no small scale implementation of this idea?