NEW Zealand energy companies are really getting on the renewable energy bandwagon with windfarm projects going up around the country or plans in progress.

In this country we're lucky not only being nuclear free, but for the fact that most of our electricity is generated by renewable resources (water, wind, geothermal) with only one or two coal-fired stations and a couple of gas-fired stations.

On the news last month was plans to develop a major wind farm on some long empty plains on the south islands east coast (Oamaru???? I think to be precise). Department of Conservation and locals were kicking up a stink NOT because of the environmental impact (tussock and scrub will still be able to grow, funnily enough all that grows there anyway)but for the ASTHETICS!

They don't want it because it will be a 'EYESORE'.

Compared to what? For goodness sake it's not like it was an interesting view anyway! Long empty desert-like plains - with a lot if wind which's why nothing grows there anyway.

You'd think with increasingly common droughts in the south island where all the hydro lakes are, low lake levels and more and more demand for electricity people would be glad to see progress towards renewable energy.

Here's some ideas that might combat that problem.

1) SOLAR FARM
It's a big area. The South Island east coast has plenty of sun and it's pretty much boise free. The panels just sit there absorbing Ultra Violet and Infrared energy from the sun.
Downside - athetics. Some people will most probably still complain of a potential 'blot' on the landscape. But hey. Don't matter what u do, people will always complain. If we spent life trying to make EVERYONE happy then nothing would get done.

2) LANDSCAPING
Wind and solar farms don't have to look ugly. Get a good designer or landscaper in to help beautify the surroundings. Think well placed native scrub, flowers, lowlying plants (especially for solar, can't be blocking out that sun). Make it into a Solar Park. A Wind Park. Families can go there for picnics :)

3) CLEVER DESIGNS
This one's for the engineers reading this. It can also go with the previous suggestion. Come up with a design for wind turbines so that they look easy on the eye. Let your creative design juices flow and come up with an aesthically appleasing wind turbine.

That's about all. What are your thoughts on this subject?