Wind power seems to be a controversial renewable energy solution. From an industrial point of view there are complaints about ruining the landscape and noise pollution, and from a consumer point of view, wind turbines are ugly and noisy additions to the neighbourhood. Perfect territory for those represented by one of my favourite acronyms - the NIMBYs.

The thing is, the UK is apparently the windiest country in the EU. Wind is free and, with the effects of global warming, apparently increasing, so it makes every sense in the world to harness this gift from the heavens to generate zero emissions electricity wherever possible. We just need to find a way to do it that doesn’t have so many NIMBYs up in arms that there aren’t any back yards left in which to put a turbine.

From an industrial point of view I agree to a certain extent that we have to choose sites for turbines carefully in order not to destroy every beautiful view in site, and the evidence does point to noise pollution being a real problem for those living to close to today’s propellor-shaped turbines. However, there are plenty of other potential sites, and all windy countries must continue to identify them and install a maximum number of turbines.

From a consumer point of view we need to find a way to be able to install turbines that can work in built up areas where the wind is disrupted by buildings or trees, that are not considered such an eye-sore, and that make less noise.

In looking around the web at what’s available today, I’ve found what i believe to be a huge step forward for both industrial and consumer installations: Quiet Revolution.

Quiet Revolution have produced a vertical wind turbine. Based on an award-winning helix shaped design, the key advantages of the Quiet Revolution turbine - also called ‘Small Wind’ are that it is more efficient as propelled by wind from any direction without any adjustment, virtually silent due to its more aerodynamic shape, and far more pleasing to the eye (ok, I’m not sure about the use of ‘aerodynamic’ when talking of a tool that relies on wind resistance, but I think you catch my drift). They are already taking orders for their free-standing model, and are working on a smaller model to go on top of houses, which should be ready for installation in late 2008 according to their web site. There’s also a larger version that can be built to order.

Their free-standing model, the QR5 costs £25,000 with an additional installation charge of £5,000 - £10,000, but it generates 10,000 kw/h every year - enough energy for the electricity demand of 5 low-energy houses. The domestic version has not got a price yet, but, whatever it is, we can guarantee it will come down as orders come in. At any rate, if you live in a windy place, your electricity bill will come down to zero.

Wind energy is a crucial part of our future, but it is a technology that is still being developed. I would bet a good slice of money on Quiet Revolution playing an important rôle. Watch this space.