Wind energy generation is increasing, particularly in the United States, at a rapid pace. This pace is so rapid that, “The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) reported today in its third quarter (Q3) market report that the U.S. wind energy industry installed 1,649 megawatts (MW) of new power generating capacity in the third quarter…bringing the total capacity added this year to date to over 5,800 MW” (Source: AmericanWindEnergyAssociation.com, October 20, 2009). In fact, as of February 2009, the United States surpassed every country in the world in wind energy generation (Source: NREL.gov, February 2009).
A Different Kind of Ownership
Though a large number of wind farm projects are funded by utilities, economic-stimulus funding, and private companies, a new type of group is taking on wind energy in the state of Montana. A community-owned wind farm projected to generate 500 megawatts will undergo on-site testing for the next year before the first phase of the turbine installation will begin. The project, a joint venture between National Wind and area ranchers and Montana Wind Resources LLC, will phase in several stages of 100+ megawatt turbine clusters over the next five to eight years (Source: RenewableEnergyWorld.com, December 1).
Though a large number of wind farm projects are funded by utilities, economic-stimulus funding, and private companies, a new type of group is taking on wind energy in the state of Montana. A community-owned wind farm projected to generate 500 megawatts will undergo on-site testing for the next year before the first phase of the turbine installation will begin. The project, a joint venture between National Wind and area ranchers and Montana Wind Resources LLC, will phase in several stages of 100+ megawatt turbine clusters over the next five to eight years (Source: RenewableEnergyWorld.com, December 1).Combating the Wind Energy Storage Problem
Calmac recently developed a different approach to wind power storage that involves an interesting component; ice. Given that roughly 75% of the energy used in the United States is used by buildings and that a significant percentage of that goes towards air conditioning, excess energy storage in the form of ice has a lot of potential (Source: AlernativeEnergyNews.info, December 1). The thought process is that excess wind energy can be converted into ice during non-peak use hours, such as at night (when the wind is typically strongest), thus lessening the overall demand during peak times. Though there are similar devices available on the market, Calmac’s tank allows for the uniform building of ice throughout, charges in 6-12 hours, and can cut energy demand costs from 20-40%.
Re-framing the Storage Question
What if wind power could be reliably used by utilities without needing battery storage? The National Renewable Energy Laboratory recently announced a project that may bring researchers a step closer to this reality. NREL and Second Wind Inc., will test the Triton Sonic Wind Profiler, a device aimed at better predicting when and where wind will blow (Source: RenewableEnergyWorld.com, December 9). This testing, which will take place over the course of the next year, will eventually lead to the incorporation of the Triton Sonic Wind Profiler in a Wind Instrument Characterization System at the National Wind Technology Center. In the long run, the hope is for this collective set of tools to reliably predict future wind power output for use in the real-time power grid and to aid in development of new wind generation plants for optimal gathering capabilities.
What if wind power could be reliably used by utilities without needing battery storage? The National Renewable Energy Laboratory recently announced a project that may bring researchers a step closer to this reality. NREL and Second Wind Inc., will test the Triton Sonic Wind Profiler, a device aimed at better predicting when and where wind will blow (Source: RenewableEnergyWorld.com, December 9). This testing, which will take place over the course of the next year, will eventually lead to the incorporation of the Triton Sonic Wind Profiler in a Wind Instrument Characterization System at the National Wind Technology Center. In the long run, the hope is for this collective set of tools to reliably predict future wind power output for use in the real-time power grid and to aid in development of new wind generation plants for optimal gathering capabilities.
Existing Technology, New ApproachIn its own response to the wind power battery dilemma, Duke Energy is pursuing a more traditional battery storage project. The project, which will use an economic-stimulus grant of $22 million, involves the installation of batteries at its 151-megawatt Notrees wind farm in Texas. Duke Energy intends to prove that current batteries can store sufficient amounts wind-generated energy for reliable use by utilities, even when the wind is not blowing (Source: Charlotte.BizJournals.com, December 2).
Wind Energy Cost Hurdles and Drawbacks
Besides the obvious issues that wind farms create (noise, unsightliness, hazards to birds or bats, energy storage issues), there are a few other items worthy of consideration. As noted in an article by Daniel Price in Hutchnews.com, there is a tendency for wind farms to be built away from population centers and a fairly substantial up-front investment cost. In his article, he explains that transmission from these more remote locations poses a challenge for utility providers. A recent study by the found that the presence of wind turbines does not negatively impact housing prices (Source: NYTimes.com, December 9). If these wind farms truly do not negatively impact property values in their immediate vicinity, a compelling case exists for more of these facilities to be built closer to population centers, thus reducing transmission costs.
Besides the obvious issues that wind farms create (noise, unsightliness, hazards to birds or bats, energy storage issues), there are a few other items worthy of consideration. As noted in an article by Daniel Price in Hutchnews.com, there is a tendency for wind farms to be built away from population centers and a fairly substantial up-front investment cost. In his article, he explains that transmission from these more remote locations poses a challenge for utility providers. A recent study by the found that the presence of wind turbines does not negatively impact housing prices (Source: NYTimes.com, December 9). If these wind farms truly do not negatively impact property values in their immediate vicinity, a compelling case exists for more of these facilities to be built closer to population centers, thus reducing transmission costs.
Another barrier to lowering the cost-per-kilowatt-hour of energy generated by wind turbines is the large amount of land necessary for industrial-use wind farms. “…it takes 60 acres per megawatt of installed capacity but only about 5 percent to 8 percent (three to six acres) are actually occupied by turbines, access roads and other equipment.” If the scale of these wind turbines is a clear barrier to more widespread use, what are some viable smaller-scale wind turbine options? The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is currently exploring this market by testing a handful of small turbine systems for certification; for more information, please click here.
Environmental Effects
At the request of congress, The National Academy of the Sciences recently produced a study about the hidden costs and effects associated with different types of energy generation. This study found that damages to the environment in terms of hidden pollutants, toxins and general effects were very small compared with traditional fossil fuel sources (Source: AmericanWindEnergyAssociation.com, December 2009). To read the full report, please click here.
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