When the builders of the Maple Ridge Wind farm spent $320 million to put nearly 200 wind turbines in upstate New York, the idea was to get paid for producing electricity. But at times, regional electric lines have been so congested that Maple Ridge has been forced to shut down even with a brisk wind blowing.
Articles in this series are examining the ways in which the world is, and is not, moving toward a more energy efficient, environmentally benign future.
That is a symptom of a broad national problem. Expansive dreams about renewable energy, like Al Gore's hope of replacing all fossil fuels in a decade, are bumping up against the reality of a power grid that cannot handle the new demands.
The dirty secret of clean energy is that while generating it is getting easier, moving it to market is not.
The grid today, according to experts, is a system conceived 100 years ago to let utilities prop each other up, reducing blackouts and sharing power in small regions. It resembles a network of streets, avenues and country roads.
Comment by: PT (David Alexander) (Aug-28-2008) Web site
Tonight Barack Obama promised to remove dependence on foreign oil within ten years. This matches well with the 'Pickens Plan' and the Al Gore plan, although clearly the details could vary widely. But there may be hope if indeed these leaders can collaborate, along with other industry and political figures, to use the strong wish for changes in policy felt by most Americans. By the way, Obama stated clearly that drilling is not even a stopgap solution to the energy problem. Any willingness to drill is only being offered if a compromise is needed with Congress. He is right on target and consistent - take the path that leads from here (dependence on foreign, risky oil at a high cost) to there (American workers creating multiple renewable energy sources and no more dependence or cost to the worst areas of the planet).
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When the builders of the Maple Ridge Wind farm spent $320 million to put nearly 200 wind turbines in upstate New York, the idea was to get paid for producing electricity. But at times, regional electric lines have been so congested that Maple Ridge has been forced to shut down even with a brisk wind blowing.
PT (David Alexander)
