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Energy Dept. Wants Big Wind Energy Technology In All 50 US States

Posted by Soulskill on from the any-way-the-wind-blows dept.

coondoggie writes: Bigger wind turbines and towers are just part of what the U.S. needs in order to more effectively use wind energy in all 50 states.That was the thrust of a wind energy call-to-arms report called "Enabling Wind Power nationwide" issued this week by the Department of Energy. They detail new technology that can reach higher into the sky to capture more energy and more powerful turbines to generate more gigawatts. These new turbines are 110-140 meters tall, with blades 60 meters long. The Energy Department forecasts strong, steady growth of wind power across the country, both on land and off shore.

3 of 256 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Won't someone think of the birds. by compro01 · · Score: 4, Informative

    Plus it kills a lot of birds.

    Incorrect.

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    upon the advice of my lawyer, i have no sig at this time
  2. Simply not true by stomv · · Score: 4, Informative

    Since 1978, utilities have been obligated to purchase electricity from qualified facilities (QFs) under a law called PURPA. Net Metering isn't a federal requirement, but PURPA sure as heck is.

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    Support a few technologists in Washington.
  3. Re:Follow the money by fgouget · · Score: 3, Informative

    Without a shell game of tax dollars shuttling in and out with many transfers of project ownership, there would be NO turbines standing.

    Do you really expect us to believe that power plants burning coal or gas don't involve any political shenanigans and don't benefit from any subsidy?

    You do realize that even when those monsters are turning in the wind, they usually are just lubricating internals and not generating?

    Wrong: The EROI for wind energy is between 20 and 25, meaning they produce 20 to 25 times more energy than has been used for their construction, operation and decommission.