A UK Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) research paper dismisses illusions about wind power as an energy resource. Much opposition to wind power appears to be based on the belief that it is an ineffective technology, inefficient or unreliable. This claim is untrue and it is important to get ‘beyond the bluster’ in assessing the effectiveness of wind power. • Is wind power an effective way of reducing carbon emissions? • Is wind power a secure and reliable source of energy for the UK? It shows unequivocally that wind power can significantly reduce carbon emissions, is reliable, poses no threat to energy security, and is technically capable of providing a significant proportion of the UK’s electricity supply with minimal impact on the existing operation of the grid.