The US has the Power for Wind Energy

Posted Thu, 05/15/2008 - 04:19 by ePluribus Media

How do-able is that 20% to 30% reliance on wind-generated energy that's being predicted? Tony Wikrent reports on the obstacles after attending the The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) Workshop as an ePluribus Media correspondent:

There are significant obstacles to realizing this potential caused by the neglect and withering of the U.S. manufacturing base. Contrary to the unrealistic beliefs of many who yearn for clean energy, heavy industry is absolutely essential to the development of wind powered electricity generation. In fact, the wind turbine generators now being developed and brought on line are mammoth industrial projects, that dwarf a Boeing 747 passenger jet in size. We are at the dawn of a new age of clean, renewable energy, but if we are to realize the full potential of this new era, there is no getting around the need to rebuild U.S. heavy industry and manufacturing.
Wikrent analyzes the American business landscape and suggests what we need to do. Read his full report on the Journal... what do you think? Are we being unrealistic about our ability to harness the manufacturing base needed to effectively and efficiently roll out wind energy?


If you like what ePMedia's been doing with research, reviews and interviews, please consider donating to help with our efforts.

Comments

I Resemble that Turbine Size Chart

by LeftyLimblog - 05/15/2008 - 05:53
The 'Itty-Bitty' Wind Turbine Generator on the left with the words 'Altamont Pass' near it are very familiar to this commenter. I worked on them for two years. I also worked on the 0.75 megawatt WTG next to the little one. I think it is important to note that the 'itty-bitty' WTG are the ones that were tough on bird populations. The newer turbines turn much slower and have far less of the bass-o-matic effect. Wind turbines are a big part of moving the USA to renewable clean energy. Also, that could be me in the top center in that view of the wooden scaffolding surrounding the 33-meter gear box. But I knew those guys and worked on that gearbox overhaul. Small world... getting smaller! -Lefty!!! --Lefty!!!
--Lefty!!!

Wow Lefty!

by cho - 05/15/2008 - 06:03
You're famous! In the Pictures! I have to admit, I did find your comment "bass-o-matic effect" comment pretty funny. What is it about you guys (that includes rba) who can come up with the most delicious snark?

Small

by rba - 05/15/2008 - 07:02
works too. Back in the old-guy time Gov. Moonbeam set up a department of "Appropriate Technology" - operative word there "appropriate" - that solicited any idea, by anyone, anytime. Even the guy who drove to Sacramento with fans on his roof used to charge a spare battery. :: :: :: Side trip: In 1977 I was part of a small group over here in the valley that looked at ethanol. Same players, same promises, basically same tech. What we found was that the ag industry as a whole could become energy-self-sufficient, but excess production for a mass market was a pipe dream. Coupled with local installs of multiple-hearth boiler systems to deal with combustible waste, small utility districts were economically feasible. (Based on a limited "regional resource survey"). 'Course the main problem was that two farmers have five opinions, so by the time some people got interested, the subsidies went away.

Japan vs US

by susie dow - 05/15/2008 - 11:29
Fascinating article. There's a large wind farm outside of Palm Springs and another outside of Gilroy, CA. I love driving by and watching the large blades turn which I only get to do on an occasional road trip. They're so graceful.
It showed that because Toyota and Japanese auto makers in general were much more respectful of their employees and suppliers, they benefited greatly from suggestions that originated on the factory floor. By contrast, the management of U.S. auto makers were aggressively hostile toward their workers and suppliers and scoffed at the notion that workers on the factory floor could offer any meaningful contribution other than their brute, raw, physical labor.
Sigh.

Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.