Wind Power Is Getting Too Good To Resist

Better airfoils, constant-frequency power production, and zero pollution let wind energy rival traditional sources. Modern wind turbines won't be a main power source for a developed country any time soon, but with the capability of generating electricity at about 6 cents/kWh without pollution, it's getting too good to ignore. The map shows wind speeds for sites in the U.S. Areas with winds of 6 m/sec or greater have commercial possibilities. Mechanics work in a 1.5-MW Enron nacelle. This is one unit of six being erected offshore in Sweden. Electrical power generated by wind turbines accounts for a tiny fraction of the U.S.'s total usage, but the potential is enormous. In fact, the Pacific Northwest Laboratory says the wind blowing over some parts of the western and midwestern states could generate more power than the known oil reserves of Saudi Arabia. The country's estimated reserves at 261 billion barrels is enough for about 90 years at the current production of 8 million barrels/day. If burned to produce electricity, that oil would generate about 153 trillion kW-hr. The Lab estimates U.S. wind resources in the West and Midwest as capable of producing 10.8 trillion kW-hr annually. Thus, in 15 years, U.S. winds could generate more electricity than all of Saudi Arabia's oil, and without being depleted. So why isn't wind power more widely used? One concern has been the intermittent nature of wind power. Although it cannot supply on demand, it's predictable and can contribute to an "energy mix." That means when it is producing energy, other sources can be scaled back. Cost has been another inhibitor. But today, say experts, wind power is cost competitive in many areas with natural gas at about 3 to 6 cents/kW-hr to produce. Costs have declined thanks to the economies of scale associated with the larger