Yes it would be interesting to see on average how many megawatt hours per day these turbines actually generate. i.e. I assume there maximum output is 1500 MW ? or is that 1500 MW the average megawatt hours already estimated ? meaning that the turbines actually produce even more power than 1500 MW

i.e if they are using the new German wind turbine the Enercon E112 that has a max power rating of 6 Megawatts time the 370 turbines installed, then that's a max capacity of 2220 Megawatts. Now if they only operate at 70% maximum output rating over 24 hours that's about 1554 Megawatt hours per day.

Now if you then also subtract the 54 Megawatt hours as electricity transmission line power loss over the 20 or less miles from shore that may drop down to the 1500 megawatt hours per day they are claiming.

David Heley, Melbourne, Australia

Lyn Jenkins gives the usual anti-turbine rant. What suggestions does she have for reducing global warming (or does she believe that to be a fraud also). Her TV may be on all the time but mine certainly is not.

It is true that the wind does not bl;ow all the time - however - when it is blowing, it is a clean, free energy source. Not to harness it would be a crime.

It doesn't take a genius to work out that a GW here and a GW there through all manner of renewables projects (be they wind, tidal, wave, solar, biomass etc) will ultimately add up to large % of UK energy generation and therefor reduction in carbon emmissions. The important thing is that we press on where we can, think positively and ignore nimbyist negativity.

graham baker, London,

These 370 Atlantic Array wind turbines will not power 1.1 million homes at all. They will supply the National Grid VERY intermittently and the NG will supply the homes. Since the wind, even at sea, drops EVERY FEW HOURS , especially in the evening [ see www.metoffice.com/education/archive/uk] , the BACK-UP fossil fuel power stations can never be switched off. They can hardly ever be cut-back , even, because wind speeds are like a yo-yo. Wind turbines generate NIL below 8 knots and above 48 knots, when they have to be shut down to prevent blade shatter [ see www.bmpg.co.uk].
The 1.1 million homes is a FRAUD. It does not include ANY HOME HEATING. To arrive at the figure, it is said that a home consumes 470 kWhrs per annum. Well, only 5 x 100 watt bulbs left on all year use 4380 kWhrs [units]. If you say they are not ALWAYS on....the TV, computer, Fridge, Freezer are! But what about the BIG users, the immersion heater, the 3 Kw kettle, the 2kw electric fire etc?

Lyn Jenkins, Cardigan, Wales, UK

Nice to see that someone is thinking big, however 1500Mw is just over a third of the capacity of Drax, the UK's largest powerstation and represents just over 3.5% of the UK's total capacity. We have a long way to go and at an investment of £3 Billion for 3.5% capacity, it looks lik we need another £15 Billion plus of investment to reach the Governments targets. Well using wind power anway.

Ed, Reading, UK

Fantastic idea - turbines generally 'payback' their carbon footprint in construction and maintenance in the first year of operation at the most

Martin, London, UK

excellent. I hope no winging home owners sell out the future of our next generations because they don't like windmills near their homes. They have to go somewhere. put up and shut up its better than a power station or nuclear plant !!

Will, Bristol,

Great idea but would it not interfere with the shipping in and out of the Bristol Channel ports? How long before one of the ships gets into a collision with a wind turbine generator mast?
It may reduce Britain’s carbon emissions by 2.3 million tonnes a year but how much will it cost to build in carbon emissions.
Ii's quite windy out there but there will have to be a permament alternative supply of power for when the wind drops.

Graham, Ruislip, UK

If you want the public to support green energy you're going to have to make it CHEAPER not more expennsive! D'oh!

Lindsay, Bristol,