So far I have come to realize two things during my recent stint giving presentations to local clubs: 1. almost everyone in our area is interested in wind energy and 2. members of these clubs have good questions.
My experience with the Abernathy Lions Club on July 28th was just as positive as my previous two experiences with local clubs. Of course the first reoccurring theme that I noticed is the great quality food served up for lunch! But once again this crowd had me on my toes, asking great questions after the conclusion of my formal presentation.
Since this group had such great questions I am came back to the office determined to go get some more in-depth information on the topics that came up.
Here are the questions I not only wanted to post for your benefit, but I wanted to research them in more depth for myself so I can answer these type of questions better next time.
1. What is the feasible percentage of electricity in our nation that can come from wind (not all renewables, but just wind)?
2. What is this we keep hearing about issues with prairie chickens?
3. How much does it cost per turbine to construct a large wind farm?
4. Who are the developers, manufacturing that are keeping the wind industry going? Are most of them foreign companies?
Be looking for my answers after I take a little time to do some more research, but in the meantime post any ideas you have. Please submit any questions or insight as a comment to this blog.
And I don't want to leave out my experience at the Floydada Lions Club on July 30th! The people and food there were just as great; there are several people in that group who are good contacts for our association and I was honored to speak with them. Let's just say I took a membership application out with me that day.
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Today's Wind Headlines
Check out the links below:
Wind Power So Expensive? Not
Fighting Against Impact of Economic Crisis, U.S. Wind Energy Industry Installs 1200 MW in Second Qtr.
West Texas wind power waits for power lines
WIND FACT
What is community wind?
"Locally-owned, commercial-scale wind projects that optimize local benefits. Locally-owned means that one or more members of the local community has a significant direct financial stake in the project other than through land lease payments, tax revenue, or other payments in lieu of taxes. The term "community wind" refers to the method and intention of development rather than the size of the project."
Source: Windustry: Community-Wind
Wind Power So Expensive? Not
Fighting Against Impact of Economic Crisis, U.S. Wind Energy Industry Installs 1200 MW in Second Qtr.
West Texas wind power waits for power lines
WIND FACT
What is community wind?
"Locally-owned, commercial-scale wind projects that optimize local benefits. Locally-owned means that one or more members of the local community has a significant direct financial stake in the project other than through land lease payments, tax revenue, or other payments in lieu of taxes. The term "community wind" refers to the method and intention of development rather than the size of the project."
Source: Windustry: Community-Wind
Talkin' Wind
This afternoon I took a hop, skip and a jump over to Lockney, Texas. A mere 15 minutes from my office here in Floydada, it was well worth it to speak to an interested group who served me some home cooking. Lockney's Rotary Club meets every Friday over lunch and I was more than happy to be their guest speaker! And I felt especially lucky to make it over for the fish fry!
While there were only a select few who were able to make it out to the meeting this particular afternoon, I was happy as the audience was genuinely interested, the discussion and questions that followed my formal presentation proved this to be true. It would be my pleasure to speak to this group again and I hope I am invited again in the very near future. I look forward to meeting those members of the group who missed out on the delicious meal today. Cherry cobbler, need I say more?
Okay so down to business...
Here's a little bit about what I talked with Lockney's Rotary Club about. It's always fun for me to start out with a couple straight up facts about wind development. I tried to find things to present that most landowners are usually curious about, like how many 1.5 MW turbines can you generally fit on a section of land or how much a landowner can typically make in royalties each year. And just in case you are curious, six and between $2500 - $5000 per turbine per year (usually).
And of course its important to talk a little bit about where wind energy has come from. In summary, the wind industry has been on quite a roller coaster for many years now, but the good news is that many of the stars are aligning for wind.
Now we talk a little bit about why Caprock's footprint is ideal for wind development:
1. We are located in close proximity to two grid operators (ERCOT and SPP)
2. We have Class 4 Winds (Sweetwater area has Class 3)
3. The transmission build out in our area has already begun
Wanna know more? Contact me about being a speaker for your next event/meeting.
While there were only a select few who were able to make it out to the meeting this particular afternoon, I was happy as the audience was genuinely interested, the discussion and questions that followed my formal presentation proved this to be true. It would be my pleasure to speak to this group again and I hope I am invited again in the very near future. I look forward to meeting those members of the group who missed out on the delicious meal today. Cherry cobbler, need I say more?
Okay so down to business...
Here's a little bit about what I talked with Lockney's Rotary Club about. It's always fun for me to start out with a couple straight up facts about wind development. I tried to find things to present that most landowners are usually curious about, like how many 1.5 MW turbines can you generally fit on a section of land or how much a landowner can typically make in royalties each year. And just in case you are curious, six and between $2500 - $5000 per turbine per year (usually).
And of course its important to talk a little bit about where wind energy has come from. In summary, the wind industry has been on quite a roller coaster for many years now, but the good news is that many of the stars are aligning for wind.
Now we talk a little bit about why Caprock's footprint is ideal for wind development:
1. We are located in close proximity to two grid operators (ERCOT and SPP)
2. We have Class 4 Winds (Sweetwater area has Class 3)
3. The transmission build out in our area has already begun
Wanna know more? Contact me about being a speaker for your next event/meeting.
Today's Wind Headlines
Just another quick reminder for members: the annual membership meeting will be on August 13th at 7pm (sign-in starting at 6:30). Featured speakers will include representatives from Venti Energy and Cross Texas Transmission. Plus don't forget we are voting on changing the membership dues structure. Contact the office for more information.
Check out links below for some recent wind news:
Saving Rural America, One Small Town at a Time - City of Matador leases land for wind development
Renewable Electricity Standard Won't Create Jobs Unless Strengthened
2008 Wind Technologies Market Report
Myth: Wind Farms Pose High Risk to Birds and Other Wildlife - National Wind Blog
WIND FACT
"The Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) would require each company that generates electricity in the U.S., or in a given state, to obtain part of the electricity it supplies from renewable energy sources such as wind. To meet this requirement, the company could either generate electricity from renewables itself or buy credits or electricity from a renewable generator such as a wind farm. This "credit trading" system has been used effectively by the federal Clean Air Act to require utilities to reduce pollutant emissions."
Source: AWEA: Wind Energy Policy Issues
Check out links below for some recent wind news:
Saving Rural America, One Small Town at a Time - City of Matador leases land for wind development
Renewable Electricity Standard Won't Create Jobs Unless Strengthened
2008 Wind Technologies Market Report
Myth: Wind Farms Pose High Risk to Birds and Other Wildlife - National Wind Blog
WIND FACT
"The Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) would require each company that generates electricity in the U.S., or in a given state, to obtain part of the electricity it supplies from renewable energy sources such as wind. To meet this requirement, the company could either generate electricity from renewables itself or buy credits or electricity from a renewable generator such as a wind farm. This "credit trading" system has been used effectively by the federal Clean Air Act to require utilities to reduce pollutant emissions."
Source: AWEA: Wind Energy Policy Issues
Today's Wind Headlines
There's a lot going on in the wind industry! Check out these links for some current headlines:
Pampa's Future Role in the Wind Industry
Climate Legislation now faces Senate Heat
Wind Energy Promotion Act Introduced in Congress
The Benefits of a "Transmission Superhighway"
What Happened to the Wind? Actually, Nothing Happened - AWEA Blog
PUCT Proceedings - Project No. 34577 - proceedings to establish policy relationg to excess development in competitive renewable energy zones
If you are a member...
Don't miss the annual membership meeting to be held August 13th, 7pm at the Floyd County Friends Unity Center. We will be voting on some important issues and there will be featured speakers you don't want to miss. Contact the office with any questions.
Pampa's Future Role in the Wind Industry
Climate Legislation now faces Senate Heat
Wind Energy Promotion Act Introduced in Congress
The Benefits of a "Transmission Superhighway"
What Happened to the Wind? Actually, Nothing Happened - AWEA Blog
PUCT Proceedings - Project No. 34577 - proceedings to establish policy relationg to excess development in competitive renewable energy zones
If you are a member...
Don't miss the annual membership meeting to be held August 13th, 7pm at the Floyd County Friends Unity Center. We will be voting on some important issues and there will be featured speakers you don't want to miss. Contact the office with any questions.
Today's Wind Headlines
Several links today, enjoy:
20% Wind Report Card: B Overall, Transmission lags at C-
Guidelines for Renewable Energy funding Released
U.S. Wind Energy Industry Welcomes Renewable Energy Grant Guidance Issued by Treasury
Transmission Holding Back Not Only Pickens' Plans But All US Wind
USDA Grants Small Wind Turbine Funding for Farmers
WIND FACT
"In 2008, with over 8,500 megawatts (MW) installed, wind power provided 42% of all the new generating capacity added in the U.S., according to initial estimates, up from less than 2% of new capacity added in 2004."
Source: Power of Wind, Fact Sheets
20% Wind Report Card: B Overall, Transmission lags at C-
Guidelines for Renewable Energy funding Released
U.S. Wind Energy Industry Welcomes Renewable Energy Grant Guidance Issued by Treasury
Transmission Holding Back Not Only Pickens' Plans But All US Wind
USDA Grants Small Wind Turbine Funding for Farmers
WIND FACT
"In 2008, with over 8,500 megawatts (MW) installed, wind power provided 42% of all the new generating capacity added in the U.S., according to initial estimates, up from less than 2% of new capacity added in 2004."
Source: Power of Wind, Fact Sheets
Today's Wind Headlines
Just a couple of headlines that are definitely worth checking out:
Pickens paring down wind farm project
House and Senate Move to address Climate and Energy: Mixed Bag for Clean Energy
WIND FACT
"If your land is wind class 3 or higher, clear of trees and buildings, and higher than surrounding obstructions, then you can confidently look further into your wind project. You will then need to undertake some site-specific meteorological studies which will help you and your banker determine the economic feasibility of the project."
Source: Windustry - Introduction to Wind Development
Pickens paring down wind farm project
House and Senate Move to address Climate and Energy: Mixed Bag for Clean Energy
WIND FACT
"If your land is wind class 3 or higher, clear of trees and buildings, and higher than surrounding obstructions, then you can confidently look further into your wind project. You will then need to undertake some site-specific meteorological studies which will help you and your banker determine the economic feasibility of the project."
Source: Windustry - Introduction to Wind Development
