Wind Energy in Iowa...Your Thoughts

[Beernuts]

Where I live in Northern Iowa there are two existing wind farms and two new proposed farms in development.

What are your thoughts on wind energy?

Is it beneficial...or is it a hoax?

 

[NateTheBoss]

Wut?

 

[CloneAggie]

Where I live in Northern Iowa there are two existing wind farms and two new proposed farms in development.

What are your thoughts on wind energy?

Is it beneficial...or is it a hoax?

Is wind energy a hoax? As in, they put up all these windmills, but they don't actually produce any energy? I'm going to say, no, it isn't a hoax.

 

[SECyclone]

Where I live in Northern Iowa there are two existing wind farms and two new proposed farms in development.

What are your thoughts on wind energy?

Is it beneficial...or is it a hoax?

.....a hoax??? What

 

[nfrine]

If it can survive without govenment subsidies, it would be okay. It is some of the most expensive electricity to produce.

Some of the large power producers will not use wind energy in their business plans as wind will not break even without large subsidies.

 

[jsb]

It’s not a hoax. This is what happens when you listen to our idiot president.

There may be an argument if it is worth it. MAYBE.

But a hoax means that it doesn’t work at all. And that’s categorically false.

 

[NoCreativity]

Haven't you heard the latest from our stable genius, it causes cancer.

 

[jdcyclone19]

Where I live in Northern Iowa there are two existing wind farms and two new proposed farms in development.

What are your thoughts on wind energy?

Is it beneficial...or is it a hoax?

Just like any energy source, there are pro and cons. The last few years there have been numerous leaps in technology and efficiency making it more feasible.

Here is a short list

Pros:
Wind is renewable
Emissions is lower (not factoring in manufacturing)
Not dependent on fossil fuels
Can have energy produced closer to facilities


Cons:
Impacts wildlife patterns and neighbors
ROI is low
Lifespan of a windmill use to only be ~15 years (not sure if this has increased)
Use to not be sustainable without mandates/government funding, etc.
EDIT: as it was pointed out I forgot the most obvious - Wind energy is inconsistent and can cause problems with an electrical grid.

 

[CtownCyclone]

It depends on what you're getting at. Is it something that can supplement the grid? Sure. Is it the solution for all power requirements on Earth? Nope.

 

[JP4CY]

OP probably owns a golf course.

 

[CtownCyclone]

OP probably owns a golf course.

Like a putt-putt with the windmill at the end?

 

[JP4CY]

Like a putt-putt with the windmill at the end?

Like a bald eagle Doral killing machine.

 

[NoCreativity]

I also heard you can't watch TV unless its windy out that day.

 

[JM4CY]

I don't know about wind energy but I know Fran McCaffery is a wind bag.

 

[CtownCyclone]

I don't know about wind energy but I know Fran McCaffery is a wind bag.

Is he in Northwest Iowa presently? That could tip the scales on the economics of the project.

 

[EnhancedFujita]

I think overall they are a good thing. Especially being cleaner energy and creating a new industry for the state. There are certainly negatives related to effects on wildlife and some people think the visuals of the large wind farms aren't good. However, I think those same thing can be said about a traditional power plant, so in the end the wind farms are a net benefit.

 

[JM4CY]

I don't even understand how this happens:

 

[Gunnerclone]

I don't like them.

They alter the visual landscape for miles and miles. When the towers needs replacing or repair I'm afraid they may sit there for a generation (unless their construction had an escrow fund for their removal).

Alter the visual landscape of already irreparably altered landscapes? Hmmm.

 

[ArgentCy]

Just like any energy source, there are pro and cons. The last few years there have been numerous leaps in technology and efficiency making it more feasible.

Here is a short list

Pros:
Wind is renewable
Emissions is lower (not factoring in manufacturing)
Not dependent on fossil fuels
Can have energy produced closer to facilities


Cons:
Impacts wildlife patterns and neighbors
ROI is low
Lifespan of a windmill use to only be ~15 years (not sure if this has increased)
Use to not be sustainable without mandates/government funding, etc.

I think you missed the biggest Con. The wind is not constant and therefore it really messes with the electrical grid and base load production. It is difficult to fully utilize the power.

 

[ArgentCy]

I don't even understand how this happens:

Too much speed. They have breaks on the things for a reason. Higher speed = higher forces involved and if exceeding the strength of the blades that is possible.