Is it possible to run Manhattan on wind power?

Question

Assuming enough wind farms are made.

The power could come from windfarms miles away!

Answer 1

Its possible, although the amount of turbines needed would make it improbable. But if every building had a wind turbine on top the gas energy consumed could be greatly reduced.

Answer 2

If you mean as a sole source of power, probably not. But wind (and solar) could bot h be used to supplement the power for a large urban center such as Manhatten--perhaps even picking up the bulk of the demand.

Granted, in theory, you could rely only on wind, etc. But in practice, you get a more reliable system with a mix of energy sourcees. Continuing to use hydroelectric and nuclear power (both of which are already part of the power grid for NYC) makes sense. But reliance on coal and oil for power could be largely done away with.

BTW--while this means a considerable up-front investment, it is cheaper in the long run. Coal and oil used to be the cheap way to produce power. That is no longer true--mainly because the alternative technologies have become much cheaper in recent years. Consumers will benefit from alternative energy--cash in their pockets instead of Exon/Mobile's.

Answer 3

no,

it would have to be never ending wind storm of so much power it would level the city... to date.. none of the alt fuel/power supplies can touch the good ole fashion oil / coal / nuke power...

solar , wind , ethnol are just not good enough they offer less than 1/2 the power of what we use now