If it has been more than about 10 years since your co-op looked at wind power, they need to take another look.
Last year TXU in Texas installed 900 mW of windmill capability, and are pleased with the results. It seems that the higher you go, and the bigger the machine, the better it gets. The winds at 160 feet are much more uniform and blow more consistently. High wind problems have been solved with feathering devices and brakes.
"TXU Electric is now a national leader in providing renewable or "green power." By the end of 2001, TXU Electric will purchase electricity from 427 wind turbines in West Texas, enough wind power to meet the average annual energy requirements of more than 72,000 homes. The additional wind power demonstrates the continued commitment of TXU Electric to operate in concert with the environment.
On July 19, 2000, TXU Electric & Gas announced one of the largest wind power contracts in US history. Each white wind turbine will stand 166 feet tall and weigh a total of 143,000 pounds. The fiberglass blades will be 76 feet long. As one of the largest purchases of wind power in North America, it is a landmark agreement in the renewable energy industry."
txu.com
Funny Bush never mentions this happening in his home state. You would think that he would be braggin' about it. Isn't every bit of energy produced by renewables good for national security? But then Cheney would have to eat crow, and we can't have that. |
