Re: theWatt Podcast 75

Calvin:

Wind farms do have land that is fully occupied with the turbine foundations, the supply roads, and the transmission infrastructure.

HVDC lines are only economical for large power transmission and there is not a big infrastructure of those lines in the US. There is especially not a big infrastructure in those vast empty areas that wind farm promoters talk about filling to supply "all the electrical needs of the US".

Wind might be "cheaper" than fossil fuels when it is available, but it will not compete with them most of the time since it CANNOT perform the same tasks of providing weather independent power for transportation, heat, industrial uses, and important home uses like big screen TVs at the time that the game is scheduled.

Wind power is not emerging - humans have been capturing the dispersed and fickle power source for thousands of years. Billions of us have figured out, however, that we want something better and more reliable.

If you believe in continuing exponential growth of anything, can I also sell you some waterfront property in Arizona or persuade you to put your teeth under your pillow for a nice shiny dollar in the morning?