If you think wind turbines are ugly, try living near a power station, writes Dr Michael Symonds, while Terry Leary wonders why tidal power is being overlooked
Since when has something being an “eyesore” been a good reason for not constructing more wind turbines (Boris Johnson blows cold on onshore wind faced with 100-plus rebel MPs, 5 April)? Living close to the second largest emitter of CO2 in the country – the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station – I can testify to what an eyesore it is. Not to mention the knowledge that every time plumes of vapour are emitted from its vast cooling towers, yet more carbon is being released from burning coal. The regular flooding of local properties due to the frequent torrential rain that we now experience is another eyesore.
Dr Michael Symonds
Loughborough
• Amid talk of increased nuclear, solar and wind power, there seems to be a deafening silence about tidal power. This is neither dangerous nor dependent on fickle wind or sunshine. It capitalises on the UK’s large tidal ranges and costs about the same as nuclear power. The tidal lagoon in Swansea Bay, cancelled in 2018, could have generated electricity for 155,000 homes for the next 120 years. The proposed Severn Barrage could generate enough renewable energy to power Wales.
Terry Leary
Rugby, Warwickshire
