Wind is But a Piece of the Puzzle

Renewable energy is not the total answer to solve the energy dilemma, but is certainly part of the solution to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and wind is but a piece in solving the larger puzzle. When I think about the impact that renewable energy can have on a school, manufacturing plant, municipality or any location where the high and increasing cost of energy can be mitigated, I think back to a visit I made a couple of years ago to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy at Buzzards Bay. This school has its collective act together, in my view. Upon entering the campus one immediately sees a beautiful, gently spinning Vestas 660 wind turbine generator. Under the campus football field a geo-thermal system is buried. There are photo voltaic arrays on dormitories, and solar powered trash compactors spread throughout the campus. The point I am making is that this institution is using several solutions to counter the high cost of energy, and they are doing it effectively.

Wind energy is a solution worth considering. Wind energy is loved by some, hated by others, and misunderstood by many. With the primary wind energy focus around the world on large wind farms and transmission issues, we will use this blog as an opportunity to write about the many issues that can determine the success or failure of a smaller scale wind project. Whether it be a one wind turbine generator “behind the meter” installation to augment power at a school , farm or manufacturing plant or a group of landowners coming together to develop a community wind project for purposes of selling power to the grid, I am confident that you will find the information stimulating and beneficial. Whitepaper downloads are available at www.frombeginningtowind.com/whitepaper.

In the coming weeks, the Wind Energy Consulting & Contracting (WECC) staff will publish a steady flow of informative white papers and blog entries regarding a variety of topics that will provide readers with sound and reliable information to help take the mystery out of wind projects. In closing, my nature is to be direct, and therefore there will be issues that I address that may appear controversial to some. My goal is to create a healthy exchange of ideas and information.

Article written by Wayne Hildreth

Email Wayne at hildreth@frombeginningtowind.com

Visit Wind Energy Consulting and Contracting Inc.