Wind Farms?

Question

DALLAS — Wind turbines supplying energy to homes and businesses will one day line Texas' 376-mile coastline if the state's Land Office Commissioner has his way.

The turbines will stand about 10 miles offshore, enough to preserve the treasured view but close enough to make coastal wind power an affordable energy alternative still missing in the United States, Commissioner Jerry Patterson (search) said.

Last month, the office announced a deal with a Louisiana contractor to build 50 turbines designed to power about 40,000 homes.


http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,174806,00.html



so a single turbine can power 800 homes?
that is pretty good.

Answer 1

A single turbine will power 800 homes if it is of size. There are many different size/power ratings on turbines these days, ranging from 225Kw up to 3.6 MW. A 1.5MW will produce enough power for roughly 800 homes, the problem is, it will only produce that much when the wind is blowing enough to allow the turbine to be in full production, about 25mph. When there is no wind, there is no power, low wind, very little to no power.

Answer 2

wind farms don't take up space
you just need to space them out to get better efficiency

most wind farms in the Midwest use less than an acre for the turbine and the rest of the land is used for other types of farming

and turbines can make anywhere from 100 kw up to 5 or soon to come 10 Mw.

Answer 3

It is really windy here where I live...there are at least two wind farms close to here, and I think they are a wonderful idea. Why not take advantage of this power that is just waiting to be harnessed? Some people think the turbines are ugly, but I think they are kind of interesting looking.

Answer 4

I think that it's a good start to helping stop global warming. I personally think that the wind farms are actually pretty to look at. The only disadvantage to them is that they don't produce any energy when the wind isn't blowing so it makes it hard to rely on this for all your energy needs. We need to start using alternative energy sources because other sources are going to run out one day and we need to start thinking about ways that we can help the environment. This is a great start and I applaude the Texas and other governments who are doing their part to help stop global warming and to use alternative sources of energy. We need more people like that in the world who are willing to think outside the box and are willing to turn to alternative sources of energy.

Answer 5

Hey, as long as the cost is comparable to other methods of production, all the power to y'all. Ten miles offshore sounds like a good location where it would have minimal impact on the environment...they might even provide additional habitat for marine wildlife.

Answer 6

The problem is space. These wind farms gobble up land! Maybe someone can come up with a smaller alternative to the "wind giants"

Answer 7

Yes it's a good thing,we need more all over the country.As well developing wave turbines.

Answer 8

and if all the homes turn off all their appliances they will be able to power even more!

Answer 9

Must be a big one.