enthalpy

Wednesday, September 12, 2007


Of all the criticisms of the ridiculousness of wind power, this is probably the most silly. But I'm glad someone's saying it. And don't miss the slideshow.
After the industry's recent boom years, wind power providers and experts are now concerned. The facilities may not be as reliable and durable as producers claim. Indeed, with thousands of mishaps, breakdowns and accidents having been reported in recent years, the difficulties seem to be mounting. Gearboxes hiding inside the casings perched on top of the towering masts have short shelf lives, often crapping out before even five years is up. In some cases, fractures form along the rotors, or even in the foundation, after only limited operation. Short circuits or overheated propellers have been known to cause fires. All this despite manufacturers' promises that the turbines would last at least 20 years.
Things break. No one should be surprised at this. How 'bout pointing out that these things don't provide reliable power that would allow taking a gas or coal plant off-line? Not to mention that they don't even make enough power to pay for their own construction.

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