Wind power…in all 50 states
Look outside: chances are you don’t see a wind turbine or a fifty story building. But, chances are, within 5 years, you will see a fifty story wind turbine!
Currently, the United States produces about 65 gigawatts across 38 states. However given the recent gains in technology, the Energy Department forecasts that wind power could contribute 16,150 gigawatts…this is 10x more power than we currently consume!
So will wind power drive our future. In will certainly be a growing contribution and here is why:
1. Climate change: the warmer the climate the more wind is produced
2. Larger Scale: as wind turbine design grows the economics for large scale development improve
3. Smaller Scale: new technology allows for efficient small deployment (think 1-2 homes)
Climate change is driving weather changes. These weather changes are becoming more pronounced. Weather forecasting is showing that current trends will continue resulting in wind speeds that provide for larger scale wind turbines.
Larger scale: Currently, the largest wind turbines are 260 feet. The higher the wind turbine reaches, the faster the wind blows so getting larger means you can install a wind turbine and compete with the economics of coal. Current designs are being planned for 460 feet; that’s nearly as tall as a fifty story building.
Smaller scale: a wind turbines without spinning blades! It looks like asparagus but rises between 25-100 feet depending on location. The trunk of the column spins (no blades) and the power is generated in the base. This type of wind turbine is safe for use in residential neighborhoods.
As we learn: With change comes opportunity and certainly power development and climate is changing.
Keep looking for the wind turbines, they are coming.
Realgy Energy Services provides power to Illinois customers that is produced from renewable resources such as solar, wind and hydro (water). It’s called ManagedGreenTM; it’s priced slightly below the utility cost of service and provides health and environmental benefits. Consider that the average mid-west home uses about 10,859 kWh/year if that power comes from Realgy’s ManagedGreenTM service it would result in the following benefits:
1. Reduction in 29,295 lbs. of coal/year
a. 7,595 lbs. of CO2 NOT emitted
b. No sulfur, lead or waste emissions
c. 29 fewer trucks on the road
2. Equivalent of 584 trees planted
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan and Indiana. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Additional information: www.realgyenergyservices.com
Links to contributing articles:
http://www.iflscience.com/technology/new-bladeless-wind-turbine-looks-asparagus