AS SOMEONE who works in the wind energy industry, and who can see a wind turbine from their garden, I am frustrated by the persistent antiwind-power arguments that blatantly ignore the evidence from thousands of wind turbines operating in the UK today. Windfarms actually have very little impact on their surroundings; and how do I know this? Because letters pages are only ever filled with comments relating to planned windfarms and not existing ones.

"Despite all the hot air and scepticism from certain quarters . . . 81per cent [of people] are in favour of wind power." Not my words, but those of the UK Minister for Energy responding to new research on public attitudes to renewable energy. My hope is that the "silent majority" and the positive experience from operating windfarms will influence decision-makers far more than ill-founded arguments put forward by a small minority.

Matt Partridge, Director, Gamesa Energy UK, Rowan House, Hazell Drive, Newport, Wales.

WHAT'S wrong with hydro-electricity? I know it costs a lot to set up, but once in place it gives cheap electricity for as long as you like.

Every time I visit Loch Faskally (established 1951), I like to stroll round the hydro-electric power station there and admire the beautiful view and the fish ladder.

There doesn't seem to be a downside at all, so what's the problem?

John Kelly, 16 Park Avenue, Edinburgh.