Latest news with #Plimer
Sky News AU
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Victorian government ‘bullying and bulldozing' farmers to gain access to their land
Geologist Ian Plimer claims the Victorian government is trying to 'bully and bulldoze' farmers in Victoria. The Victorian government is going to penalise farmers who deny access to their land for the construction of the $4 billion VNI West transmission project. 'They have every right to complain, they are being absolutely and totally bulldozed by city-based government bureaucrats,' Mr Plimer told Sky News host Rita Panahi. 'Rather than sorting out the power system, they're wanting to bully and bulldoze the farms and wanting to fine them.'
Sky News AU
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
‘No surprises': Ian Plimer examines the CCP waging ‘industrial chaos' on the West
Geologist Ian Plimer has accused China of waging 'industrial chaos' against Western nations through energy infrastructure. US engineers inspecting Chinese-made solar components have uncovered hidden kill switches and communication devices embedded in power inverters. This has prompted fears that the Chinese Communist Party could physically destroy grids across the West by remotely switching off the power supply. '(They are) trying to weaken the opposition so there are no surprises,' Mr Plimer told Sky News host Rita Panahi.
Sky News AU
12-05-2025
- Science
- Sky News AU
‘Shock horror': Antarctic shelf experiences record growth
Geologist Ian Plimer talks about shocking revelations of the Antarctic shelf experiencing record growth. 'We have cycles, and these cycles are where the ice sheets grow and the ice sheets contract,' Mr Plimer told Sky News host Rita Panahi. 'In Antarctica, you've got another perimeter, which journalists never mention … there are 150 geothermal centers and volcanoes underneath the ice sheet. 'If you're going to heat the ice from below, what's it going to do? It will melt. 'When you ignore the volcanic factor, you end up with shock horror. 'Nothing should shock you if you're aware of the literature.'
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Yahoo
Experts debunk viral claim about wind turbines — here's what the post got wrong
Wind turbines are central to the clean energy landscape, but a recently shared debunked claim on social media has spurred questions about just how resource-intensive they are to build. In a viral Facebook video, former University of Melbourne geology professor Ian Plimer incorrectly alleged that a single wind turbine requires a staggering 33,000 tons of both concrete and iron ore. Experts and industry representatives are calling this a massive exaggeration — by a factor of 10 or even more. It is important to note that Plimer has served as the director of at least three mining companies, which has enriched him and could explain his stances. So, how much of these resources do wind turbines actually need? Industry data paints a much more sustainable picture. A typical 6.2-megawatt wind turbine, for example, requires roughly 2,700 tons of concrete and 1,300 tons of iron ore — less than a 10th of the amounts claimed in the video. This is supported by numerous experts, including energy researcher Mark Diesendorf, who pointed out that these figures are consistent with the findings of major manufacturers like Vestas and Acciona Energy. Wind turbines are a net positive in energy production. Numerous studies show that turbines typically offset the energy used to build them within a year, with even conservative estimates, such as this Texas study, placing the payback period just under six years. Modern designs and optimal placement enhance efficiency, reinforcing wind power as a continued clean energy solution. Setting the record straight is crucial, as misinformation like this can skew public perception of clean energy. While wind turbines do require raw materials for construction, their environmental benefits far outweigh their initial footprints. Unlike coal plants, which continuously burn dirty fuel, turbines harness the wind — producing clean, cheap energy for decades with minimal pollution. The post also misses another key point: innovation. Manufacturers are continuously refining designs to reduce material use and improve efficiency. As Professor Andrew Blakers from The Australian National University explained, claims like Plimer's often confuse the requirements for an entire wind farm with those of a single turbine, leading to unnecessary alarm. Do you think governments should ban gas stoves? Heck yes! Only in new buildings Only in restaurants Heck no! Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Clean energy plays a critical role in reducing pollution and promoting energy independence, and wind power is one of the most scalable and sustainable options we have. By focusing on facts and pushing back against myths, we can better understand the role technologies like wind turbines play in building a cleaner, healthier future. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
