He also called them “absolutely useless”, and he might have a point too. The Duke of Edinburgh, at age 90, rightfully points out that wind farms are heavily reliant on subsidies, and that those who claim they’re one of the most cost-effective forms of renewable energy believed in “fairy tales”.

Wind farms, and wind turbines specifically, came about at a time when renewable energy generation via solar power and other forms of energy creation where still rather infantile.

The Sunday Telegraph reported yesterday that the Duke told Esbjorn Wilmar, managing director of Infinergy, a turbine builder and operator, that the Duke feels the turbines were over-reliant on subsidies, amongst other things:

He said they were absolutely useless, completely reliant on subsidies and an absolute disgrace.

He said, “You don’t believe in fairy tales, do you?” I was surprised by his very frank views.

He also didn’t think that they were very nice for the landscape.

The Duke certainly has a point though, because some 4 500 more of these turbines are planned for the UK over the next few years, and they’re already in use in many other parts of the world.

Ironically, wind turbines are being turned off or slowed down in the UK during periods of high wind in case they become too loud, defeating their purpose somewhat.

People living near large wind farms have said noise pollution could be heard from more than six kilometres away.

What is to blame: “infrasound”, or the low-frequency sound emitted by fast-spinning turbines. People also complained that they could hear a constant humming when indoors, and some even described wearing earmuffs when in their gardens.

Renewables UK, a wind industry representative firm, said:

Wind farm operators strive to be good neighbours and are conscientious in responding to local concerns.

There is simply no credible scientific evidence to support claims that infrasound from wind farms are a cause of sleep deprivation or any other negative health impacts.

So, what are problems without solutions? We can ask Solar Botanic, a London based company that’s developed the Solar Botanic tree, that question.

They’ve developed an artificial tree for the average home. The secret is in the leaves: Nanoleaves. Each functions as a tiny wind-harvesting, sunlight-gathering, heat-absorbing device that channels energy to your home.

And they look a lot better than wind turbines too.

[Sources: Discovery, SolarBotanic, Telegraph]