There are a couple of interesting anecdotal facts I’ve come across lately.
1- An aquaintance of mine is doing large load escort. He said that he’s doing ALOT of large wind tower escort. Huge business numbers going on. Interesting in that I do not think any amount of government subsidy can build and sustain any sort of meaningful business. In order for something to explode it has to be genuinely economical.Â
My source also reports that a wide variety of companies are involved in this industry now.Â
2- James J. Cramer mentioned on Mad Money that 10% of domestic steel production is being used to build wind power
These 2007 numbers argue against any significant effect of wind power
(one megawatt of wind power produces enough electricity on average to serve 250 to 300 homes)States with most wind energy installed, by capacity (MW)1. Texas 2,768Â MW
Â
2.  California 2,361
Â
3.  Iowa 936
Â
4. Minnesota 895
Â
5. Washington 818
In year 2000 the Palo Verde nuclear plant generated 30.4 million megawatts of power. Thus wind power as of year 2007 is 1/10000 of the palo verde nuclear generating station. We’re using gobs of steel and not really making a dent in our power budget. Yet it seems like its likely that its profitable to generate. That is until the cost of steel goes up high enough that it shuts the process down the same way corn prices must be squeezing ethanol margins.
I guess I just came to the conclusion that as long as this is going on the only real winners in the big picture is going to be the steel producers! Â
A much more productive method of wind generation is going to be required if its to be a significant contributor. I’m doubtful now.
1 Comment
Howdy that’s a very fascinating view, It does give one food for thought, I am genuinely delighted I stumbled on your blog, i was using Stumbleupon at the time, in any case i don’t want to drift on too much, but i would like to mention that I will be back when I have a little time to read your blog more thoroughly, Once again thank you for the blog post and please do keep up the good work,