T. Boone Pickens Wind Farms - There Is One Major Problem
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After reading about T. Boone Picken’s adventures in wind power, and his ambitious goal of producing enough electricity to replace 20% of the power currently generated by natural gas, it reminded of what California has been doing for over 25 years. Just outside of San Francisco back in 1981, a wind farm was erected in the area known as the Altamont Pass area.
For those not familiar with this part of the country, the Altamont Pass separates the Bay Area from the San Joaquin valley. Those who have driven over the pass soon recognize the windy nature of the area, when their vehicle is jostled and buffeted by the wind. The wind farm, along with other wind farms in California, produces a meager 1.5% of the state of California’s electrical needs.
When my wife and I were living in the MotherLode, we made frequent tripe to the Bay Area to visit family and friends. Our travels took us on I-580 which runs over and through the Altamont Pass. There were times in which the turbines were either stopped or barely turning. You guessed it. No wind. No power.
Which makes one wonder. How many turbines is Mr. Pickens thinking will be needed? Weather patterns sometimes change. What type of backup is going to be in place?
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
6 Comments
GOOSE
July 12th, 2008
at 7:30pm
Wind is just a piece of the pie. We need to do alot of things to get out of this hole instead of just talk. Been talking way too long. I wish we had better candidates to vote for. If you mention wind to them they would probably say “hey it’s windy in the middle east, maybe we could buy it from them!”
Ryan
July 12th, 2008
at 8:38pm
Irony: We shouldn’t use non-polluting windmill farms because global warming is causing changes in weather patterns?
Sorry, I just found it funny.
leftystrat
July 12th, 2008
at 10:04pm
perhaps a decent combination of alternate energy generation schemes… definitely solar… some wind..
There’s a project going on in Florida to use undersea currents to generate electricity.
Solar is gaining ground. The latest generation of cells is less efficient but way cheaper to produce.
MikeWill
July 12th, 2008
at 10:08pm
This guy is already invested in both wind power and natural gas, so you know what his idea is all about.
Now, if they could just find a way to make a renewable energy from our lawn clippings, where the oil companies come weekly to cut your grass and pay you for it, now that would be the perfect solution…lol.
Ron Schenone
July 13th, 2008
at 5:38am
Thanks for the comments. Your thoughts are appreciated. I agree. We need a combination of solutions. We have talked for way to long and have done little.
Drill for more oil? It is like Russia saying they will produce more vodka because they have an alcoholism problem.
News » Texas Embraces Wind Power
July 21st, 2008
at 8:19am
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