Kansas Wind Energy

The state of Kansas is in the process of erecting large wind turbines for energy.  There are many websites we can go to for information to educate ourselves on the subject.  The largest wind energy program in the state is being conducted by Wester Energy and can be followed at this website:
http://www.westarenergy.com/

By using Google and searching for 'Kansas wind energy' or 'Kansas wind farms', you can gain valuable information to better understand the whole concept.  Apparently, from what I can gather, the initial cost is higher than fossil fuel programs but claims are made that the long term cost to the consumer is less and cleaner.  That, of course, remains to be seen.  We learn through the years that when the salesman tells us that "this widget will cost more right now but will save us money in the long run", that rationale just doesn't pan out.  When the long run arrives there seems to be a huge need for replacements and overhaul which then keeps the cost rising due to inflation, etc.  I think I prefer to think of the wind energy as a means to get out from the controls of the oil-barons.

There are conflicting reports regarding the Kansas wind; one report states that Kansas is second in wind power with Montana and behind Texas, the other report has Kansas third in wind power behind Texas and North Dakota.  Either way Kansas is a very windy state to which most residents can attest.  The Dodge City area is the windiest in the state with an average wind speed of 39 mph.  Wow!  That means that there are a quite a few days each year with the wind at or above 50 mph.

Reports on the effect of tornadoes on wind turbines have been hard to find.  Questions remain regarding the vulnerability of the turbines compared to other power stations, but people across the country are use to going without electricity for a few hours due to storms.  The issue is not just a few hours, however, it is more a matter of whether a tornado can/will tear down a whole wind farm and leave a large area without power for days.

People in general, and even some Kansans, love to make fun of our state because the western half of the state is rolling prairie.  But, like those silly people that just love the desert, most of us natives find the subtleties of the prairie to be fascinating.  I just hope that in the future the panorama won't be too spoiled with wind turbines everywhere.  I suppose that's what is meant by 'damned if you do and damned if you don't'!
Here are some photos of wind turbines in Kansas.

The comparison with the aged windmill is remarkable, but illustrates that wind power is certainly nothing new.

Now, this would really be an eyesore, so placement is a consideration.

Keeping our fingers crossed that this will be a positive addition to our lives won't be easy, but trying to have an open mind about the issue is vital.

The Dutch used windmills for such a very long time, until the government decided to tax the wind.  Should we watch for that initiative in the future...