Sir, - Nicholas Prins (December 19th) suggests that the recent spell of "still, winter weather" demonstrates the "folly" of wind turbines and proposes the conversion of Moneypoint to natural gas as an alternative. This, however, would be only a short-term expedient. In the long run, burning finite natural gas in a 40-per-cent-efficient power station is the real folly.
While wind turbines have been generating little power in the recent calm spell, we may be certain that the wind will return; we may be equally certain that supplies of natural gas are finite and diminishing. In the future, we will be forced to choose between wind turbines on our uplands and sitting in the dark. - Yours, etc.,
Kevin Sweeney, Kilnaleck, Co Cavan.