b0redom's plan to rescue the economy....

[b0redom]

Why doesn't the government set up a massive work project to build a huge windfarm? Similarly to the Hoover Dam project in the US, this could provide:

• A big boost to spending in the economy which could be paid for through borrowing
• A big boost to employment in planning / designing / deploying the wind farm
• An asset which the government could use to generate an income to pay back the funds borrowed - through selling wholesale energy back into the grid
• A reduction to fossil fuel usage

Presumably they could also look to build hydroelectic power plants etc too?

[dave87]

Ah, but everyone knows the Hoover dam was actually built to hide the captured decepticon!



Being serious for two seconds, yes, it is an example of Keynesian economics - deficit financing. The only problem I see is when was the last government project to come in either on budget or on time? I certainly can't think of one.


Instead, how about something we are already signed up for? the Olympics built by public works instead of multinational corporations?

[b0redom]

...but do we actually stand to make any real money from the Olympics? Sure it carries a lot of kudos internationally speaking, but aside from a bit of tourist money, it's probably a huge drain on resources.

[staffsMike]

I don't think London needs any more tourists tbh... You can't move without bumping into them.

I really don't see why we are hosting it, or why we would want to. It's like winning the Eurovision song contest.. only a loser would try and do that.. wouldn't they?

Given the current state of affairs.. it seems like a very bad thing to be doing. But I could be wrong of course, I tend not to pay attention to such things.

[funke_munke]

I've been saying the same thing for some time mate! At first I thought they wouldn't do it because energy companies are, well... Large. But I can't really see a downside to this? Could even be put to other forms of renewable energy, geothermal for example.

[TheAnimus]

...but do we actually stand to make any real money from the Olympics? Sure it carries a lot of kudos internationally speaking, but aside from a bit of tourist money, it's probably a huge drain on resources.

Since when is pissing of the french a drain on resources?

[RoBe]

but where would you intend to stick it?

It's a huge eyesore on the landscape, the main reason scotland isn't covered in them imo.

[aidanjt]

Since when is pissing of the french a drain on resources?

Well, it's always best to do that when you're standing on both feet.

[b0redom]

but where would you intend to stick it?

It's a huge eyesore on the landscape, the main reason scotland isn't covered in them imo.

10 miles off the coast? It doesn't matter really.

[b0redom]

Since when is pissing of the french a drain on resources?

I said it was a drain on resources, not a complete waste of money....

[Salazaar]

We'd only do it wrong anyway. It's end up being designed by Germans, built by Australian contractors hiring Polish builders. As ususal.

[Stringent]

Ah, but everyone knows the Hoover dam was actually built to hide the captured decepticon!

You mean Megatron of the Decepticons ...

I'll get my coat...

[iranu]

Why not build a massive white elephant instead? This could be the worlds largest elephant and it would employ lots of people and concrete and stuff and dulux would sell lots of paint! Now where will we put it? Somewhere no-one will object to. Ummm......

[G4Z]

Why not build a massive white elephant instead? This could be the worlds largest elephant and it would employ lots of people and concrete and stuff and dulux would sell lots of paint! Now where will we put it? Somewhere no-one will object to. Ummm......

Inside the millennium dome where nobody can see it?

Would be like hiding one giant white elephant in another.

[Whalefish]

Just keep handing the banks billions of pounds and making sure our children's children go into the poor house to pay for it. After all the bankers have never let us down, have they.
The thought of those rich people suffering is too much and I am glad my great grandchildren are going to help them maintain the status quo.
Cutting 2.5% from VAT has encouraged me to go out and spend spend spend on overpriced chinese tat.

[Andy3536]

Why doesn't the government set up a massive work project to build a huge windfarm? Similarly to the Hoover Dam project in the US, this could provide:

• A big boost to spending in the economy which could be paid for through borrowing
• A big boost to employment in planning / designing / deploying the wind farm
• An asset which the government could use to generate an income to pay back the funds borrowed - through selling wholesale energy back into the grid
• A reduction to fossil fuel usage

Presumably they could also look to build hydroelectic power plants etc too?

The basic idea is good, but i was under the impression that wind farms cost quite alot of money just to maintain.
Mabee a big spend on somthing else.......