Lisa Simpson
Aug 24,2009
In: Finance

Generating Wind Power Raises Hope as Well as Ire

wind power

Generating wind power is raising hope as well as ire. Kansas lying in the centre of the windy prairies has enough alternative power to feed entire USA. But the wind lovers are up against preservationists who are concerned about blockage of serene view and the coal lobby that feels threatened.

Kansas has a weak transmission grid. But the government has stepped forward with the support of Governor Kathleen Sebelius (Democrat) despite the negative attitude taken by the Republican legislature. Independent transmission systems are being set up to build powerful lines from the windy western part of USA to consumers in the state as well as outside it.

The USA Department of Energy is keen to build a kind of highway route for transport of electricity all across the country. It is seeking funds to implement the same. The project dealing with the wind issue calculates to a cost of $20 billion. Another problem is that important transmission projects do not get the green signal until at least four years as it has to be routed through municipality and state authorities. The whole system seems to be against expediting any sort of plan that works.

One of the important figures connected with the wind project is long time resident Pete Ferrell who is owner of a sprawling ranch in Flint Hills. On his land are installed 50 of 100 turbines that have been installed by Elk River Wind Project. The project started in 2005 to harness 150 megawatt of wind power. He crusades for wind power travelling all through Kansas. He is persuading the landowners to club together to develop wind farming. Ferrell advises the locals on how to get the project running. Sometimes he collects fees for his advice. He has also joined hands with some partners who are willing to invest for the development of his own plans. Ferrell said, “I learned my lessons in the Flint Hills. [Wind opponents] beat me up good. Now I know how to get things done.”

There are many hurdles in front. Wind does not blow at a steady pace – sometimes it is hard and other times it is weak. As such it is not dependable. But with sufficient number of wind farms that problem may be solved in the near future.

As yet coal wins the race as a cheaper option. But the scenario is fast changing with coal prices having shot up in the recent past. It has doubled within a year. Many other states are refusing to grant coal permits because of global warming.