Reading your letter made me think of the novel by author Henrik Pontoppidan 1898 and 1904, trained as an engineer who became an author (Now a movie, 2018) named 'Lucky Per' (Danish: Lykke-Per) or 'A Fortunate Man' in English. Lucky Per, an engineer on a mission to build a windmill to generate electric power for Denmark. It is his based on the personal life story of the author. I believe the film(a drama), setting is in Jutland, is beautiful, and worth seeing.
Thank you Marian. I just saw that it's on Netflix (somehow it was already on my list) and in Danish. Perfect. I think I need to be a bit more awake to watch it in Danish, though.
Living near the ocean wind is always noticeable. There has been much controversy about building wind farms off Long Island . Some are afraid the turbines will spoil their view or fishing but they finally will be built. The wind is indeed one of the best sources of clean energy. Thanks for a great article and may you have a happy weekend.
We have the same discussions here: people that are more worried that their view from the beach is spoiled than about fossil fuels destroying life as we know it on the planet. You can never invest enough in education if you want democracy to work...
Another important article with so much good & interesting information.
A great history of windmills, wind turbines & how wind has long been used as a source of power & energy. Innovation has come a long way but I have a special fondness for the traditional style of windmills you’ve often shared. They are beyond charming & beautiful!
Technology is working overtime to use wind as a clean & planet saving replacement for fossil fuels. So much hope for even greater future success.
I love those old windmills too. I used to work as a sailing instructor in the summers in the 1980s and the school was based in such a traditional windmill.
Very interesting newsletter, but I hope nobody decides to get rid of those cats ;-).
I think what the Dutch and Danes are doing is pretty amazing. Other countries as well - I'm sure.
Those windfarms off the coast of Jutland are spectacular. Also the development that has been made - as you describe as well - that's science for you right there.
Switzerland is way behind ... I think solar and water have a better chance here. Not that we don't have wind, but people don't want wind turbines on our mountains. They seem to be okay with all the pylons and power lines, though. Some of our hydro electric powerplant are way up high in the mountains. I don't see how wind turbines are any different - in terms of spoiling the view - than power lines and pylons. It was very difficult to take a picture without them in it. I get really frustrated that we vote on EVERYTHING. I think a green strategy just has to be pushed through at some point. Apologies - rant over.
Have you ever seen those huge long turbine blades being transported on a German Autobahn. Wow! That was quite a sight. What can I say, I'm a huge fan of wind turbines and windmills. So I really enjoyed reading this and your pictures are exquisite.
Thanks Alexander. In your research on modern wind turbines, have you noted any progress in making obsolete components (e.g. blades) recyclable or reusable? That has been a criticism I have often read about wind turbines - granted some sources can be very biased, and focus on a negative aspect in order to condemn the totality of the concept. I read somewhere that a German company had made progress on that front, but haven't seen more. Reusable/recyclable turbine blades that continue to spin for many more years are key for a circular economy. ;-)
Hi Mike, yes a good point; this has long been a problem and still is. Most components of a turbine can be recycled but the blades have long been much less circular than you would expect. The good news is that a Spain-based renewable energy company, Siemens Gamesa, now says it has finally designed a recyclable wind turbine blade. Fast Company has the story here: https://www.fastcompany.com/90674645/this-giant-wind-turbine-blade-can-be-recycled
Thank you Alexander,
Reading your letter made me think of the novel by author Henrik Pontoppidan 1898 and 1904, trained as an engineer who became an author (Now a movie, 2018) named 'Lucky Per' (Danish: Lykke-Per) or 'A Fortunate Man' in English. Lucky Per, an engineer on a mission to build a windmill to generate electric power for Denmark. It is his based on the personal life story of the author. I believe the film(a drama), setting is in Jutland, is beautiful, and worth seeing.
Thank you Marian. I just saw that it's on Netflix (somehow it was already on my list) and in Danish. Perfect. I think I need to be a bit more awake to watch it in Danish, though.
I would love to see it!
Living near the ocean wind is always noticeable. There has been much controversy about building wind farms off Long Island . Some are afraid the turbines will spoil their view or fishing but they finally will be built. The wind is indeed one of the best sources of clean energy. Thanks for a great article and may you have a happy weekend.
We have the same discussions here: people that are more worried that their view from the beach is spoiled than about fossil fuels destroying life as we know it on the planet. You can never invest enough in education if you want democracy to work...
Another important article with so much good & interesting information.
A great history of windmills, wind turbines & how wind has long been used as a source of power & energy. Innovation has come a long way but I have a special fondness for the traditional style of windmills you’ve often shared. They are beyond charming & beautiful!
Technology is working overtime to use wind as a clean & planet saving replacement for fossil fuels. So much hope for even greater future success.
Wonderful photos!
I love those old windmills too. I used to work as a sailing instructor in the summers in the 1980s and the school was based in such a traditional windmill.
How fun! ⛵️
Very interesting newsletter, but I hope nobody decides to get rid of those cats ;-).
I think what the Dutch and Danes are doing is pretty amazing. Other countries as well - I'm sure.
Those windfarms off the coast of Jutland are spectacular. Also the development that has been made - as you describe as well - that's science for you right there.
Switzerland is way behind ... I think solar and water have a better chance here. Not that we don't have wind, but people don't want wind turbines on our mountains. They seem to be okay with all the pylons and power lines, though. Some of our hydro electric powerplant are way up high in the mountains. I don't see how wind turbines are any different - in terms of spoiling the view - than power lines and pylons. It was very difficult to take a picture without them in it. I get really frustrated that we vote on EVERYTHING. I think a green strategy just has to be pushed through at some point. Apologies - rant over.
Have you ever seen those huge long turbine blades being transported on a German Autobahn. Wow! That was quite a sight. What can I say, I'm a huge fan of wind turbines and windmills. So I really enjoyed reading this and your pictures are exquisite.
Thank you 🙏
Thanks Alexander. In your research on modern wind turbines, have you noted any progress in making obsolete components (e.g. blades) recyclable or reusable? That has been a criticism I have often read about wind turbines - granted some sources can be very biased, and focus on a negative aspect in order to condemn the totality of the concept. I read somewhere that a German company had made progress on that front, but haven't seen more. Reusable/recyclable turbine blades that continue to spin for many more years are key for a circular economy. ;-)
Hi Mike, yes a good point; this has long been a problem and still is. Most components of a turbine can be recycled but the blades have long been much less circular than you would expect. The good news is that a Spain-based renewable energy company, Siemens Gamesa, now says it has finally designed a recyclable wind turbine blade. Fast Company has the story here: https://www.fastcompany.com/90674645/this-giant-wind-turbine-blade-can-be-recycled
Nice facts about windmills😊👍
Thank you Heico, I have some beautiful ones when I walked the 'Marskramerpad' in your region.