Chuck
10-09-2009, 02:36 PM
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/AmericanFlag.jpg Deep water and earthquakes get in the way (http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/09/prospects-distant-for-offshore-wind-in-west/#more-26665)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Half_the_wind_Turbines_installed_in_3-months.jpgKate Galbraith - BLOGS (http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com) - Oct 9, 2009
Then what about tidal power? --Ed.
Why is nothing happening off the West Coast, where the winds also blow strong?
The main problem, experts say, is topography. Whereas the continental shelf extends for miles off the East Coast, the bedrock drops off sharply just beyond the West Coast –- making it too deep to anchor the turbines with current technology.
A second difficulty is power prices. Electricity in California, while expensive relative to the middle of the country, is still cheaper than in most of New England. This makes offshore wind projects less economical. (Electricity in Washington and Oregon is cheaper still.)... http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/09/prospects-distant-for-offshore-wind-in-west/#more-26665
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Half_the_wind_Turbines_installed_in_3-months.jpgKate Galbraith - BLOGS (http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com) - Oct 9, 2009
Then what about tidal power? --Ed.
Why is nothing happening off the West Coast, where the winds also blow strong?
The main problem, experts say, is topography. Whereas the continental shelf extends for miles off the East Coast, the bedrock drops off sharply just beyond the West Coast –- making it too deep to anchor the turbines with current technology.
A second difficulty is power prices. Electricity in California, while expensive relative to the middle of the country, is still cheaper than in most of New England. This makes offshore wind projects less economical. (Electricity in Washington and Oregon is cheaper still.)... http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/09/prospects-distant-for-offshore-wind-in-west/#more-26665