An abundance of energy and the access to it will determine the direction and viability of a nation. With four-dollar gas, high-energy bills to heat homes and businesses, and the threat of economic collapse, this nation is hungry for alternatives to those currently taking the bite out of each individual's pocketbook.
Alternative energy, options other than oil, has been debated with growing support for renewable energy. Billionaire T. Boone Pickens has been in the forefront as a spokesman for wind energy, an influence on the present occupant in the White House and his administration.
To provide adequate energy to power and fuel machines necessary for a more comfortable lifestyle, wind power has always been considered as a source, from ancient man to modern times. As early as 200 B.C. in Persia, wind machines have been instrumental in different societies for generations. We are more familiar with the Dutch windmills and the thousands of early American farms.
Today, the windmills have been replaced with the hulking wind turbines. Other countries have established wind power, from Russia to the United Kingdom to most of Europe. Now, in our unsettling climate where, financially, we are looking for ways to cope and survive, there are businesses and individuals looking at the way we produce energy, as a panacea to rebound from the myriad of problems that are overwhelming society. There is a need for the investment to begin the construction of the turbines, and the establishment of the grids to transport the energy to the communities that may benefit from this energy.
The problem with the wind turbines is the requirement for locations where there are constant high-speed winds. This type of power, as an intermittent power source, presents a challenge to compensate for a possible power loss. Many of the wind turbine generators have minimum temperature operating limits. In locations that experience extreme cold, there are limitations to the wind turbines.
With high construction costs, possible threats to wildlife and the absence of a grid to transport this energy (some estimates are that a grid will cost as much as 70 billion dollars), it hampers the establishment of this power system. But wind power can eliminate the emission of green house gases and the dependency on foreign oil, thus driving the desire to seriously look at and finance this alternative power source.
There are those who oppose the establishment of wind power based on the negative impact that the wind turbines will have on their communities. They feel the negative aspects of this energy outweigh the positive impact of capping emissions of greenhouse gases. Yet, many in Congress have supported the "The Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Act," legislations that provide the investments necessary to jumpstart wind energy measures.
Besides government, individuals have constructed small wind turbines, many times with solar panels, to become independent of companies supplying energy sources to communities. It is estimated that these wind turbines lower electric bills by as much as 50 to 90 percent. The cost of construction of the private wind turbines makes it prohibitive for some families, installation costs ranging from $6,000 to $30,000.
Wind testing towers were once put in place in Allamakee County to decide the feasibility of wind power. Ranked second in the nation, Iowa is aggressively developing wind energy as a source of renewable energy. Allamakee County is just one of many areas in the state delving into the wind power arena. Companies that have tested wind availability claim that the county does not meet the requirements of the 32 percent threshold to be a desirable area for turbines.
Rachelle Howe of Allamakee County Economic Development is attempting to encourage the manufacturing of the turbines or associated elements needed for wind turbine sites. There are facilities available in the county and there exists the workforce in the area desired by those involved in manufacturing. The State of Iowa will assist whenever possible if there is the possibility of such endeavors materializing.
Waverly Light and Power of Waverly is establishing a wind turbine network that will provide 20% of the renewable energy in that area. Some counties are very receptive to the idea of wind power and others are not. This issue has already come to a head in nearby communities and has been debated.
In Monroe County, WI, the excitement for the development of wind power and the renewable energy that would have been provided, has been dampened by a grass-roots campaign against this source of energy. Bob Keller, of Norwalk, WI was on the front lines when this issue was hotly debated. Keller, a past member of the 24-person County Board, similar to Allamakee County's Board of Supervisors, had voted to allow a wind turbine company to test the possibilities in their county. The company was allowed, under certain regulations and standards, to make the necessary preparations with the option of wind turbine construction.
Four different townships were considered, with Ridgeville Township the more favorable area conducive to wind turbine installations. Each individual township has a township board consisting of three members. The initial reaction was positive but citizens of the township demanded a recall election in Ridgeville Township and new board members were selected. The township board then voted against any support for the wind turbines. This was after the wind turbine issue had been debated and supported for the last two years. Keller, who supported the construction of the wind turbines, was surprised to learn that township boards could overrule the actions of the County Board.
"Very vociferous people outside the area decided this issue," observed Keller. He added that at least half the farmers were for the turbines but people who had moved in from more urban areas decided the outcome. "They hired a lawyer and had a very good propaganda campaign against construction," commented the Norwalk resident, who felt that truth was not a strong element exercised by those fighting against the development of wind turbines in the county.
Excessive noise, cows getting bloody noses, bat and bird populations being harmed and an escalation of human health problems were some of the many accusations made against wind turbine installations. "I've been around the wind turbines, they make no noise and I have observed out West where cattle grazed directly under the turbines. I have not seen any real proof where the health of people has been affected," added Keller.
He noted that the local economy would have benefited enormously by construction, with the demand of cement and gravel just one of the many businesses profiting from this venture. As of now, the wind turbine controversy is on hold in Monroe County, WI just as it is in other parts of the country.
With support of President Obama and a large segment of the country, the construction of wind turbines and the network that is part of this system will be resolved in the very near future. Elements have investigated the feasibility of these turbines in Allamakee County as well as nearby counties. Iowa Governor Chet Culver is a strong proponent of wind energy so the issue will not die within the borders of the state. Eventually, it will be up to an informed people who will decide the fate of whether or not construction will take place. It appears that if wind turbine construction could be profitable in a given area, it will be up to the people to take advantage of this promising venture.
Reader Comments
Posted: Saturday, July 04, 2009
Article comment by:
Alan Langford
Iowans have benefitted from the corn ethanol "experiment" which turned out to be a double barreled boon-doggle. (Numerous studies suggested before the ethanol plant building frenzy began, that corn ethanol used more energy than it produced but the "corn lobby" pressured congress into passing that government give away program at considerable tax payer expense. So I am surprised at the opposition to any aspect of wind energy production)
Wind energy is clean, renewable and unlike ethanol as a viable energy source, it works--and has been for a thousand years or more. Wind mills were a vital element in settling the west after sailing ships brought millions to America in the first place. Wind energy produces significant amounts of clean, renewable energy for the Danes, Germans and Dutch. The Fins are believed to be initiating a serious wind energy program. These people are hardly stupid. They recognize the benefits to be attained by using the winds.
In the Texas Panhandle annualized wind royalty payments are as high as $100,000 per section (640 acres). (We haven't heard many north Texas ranchers crying over those dollars)
Turbine manufacturing, construction and maintenance are further economic positives associated with wind energy production. I don't know whether or not Iowa generally or areas within Iowa are optimal for wind energy production, but if I was an Iowan, I believe that I would look favorably toward anyone with the desire to determine if it was an economical enterprise.
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