I have heard several times that renewables, like solar and wind power, are not financially feasible, and that for the near future, we will need to rely on fossil fuels. At the same time, I have read several studies that say we can generate plenty with renewables if we implement energy efficiency strategies in our homes, vehicles, and industries. Still, some people (usually in the fossil fuel business) claim that there are not enough renewable resources available.
Last week, the DOE released new estimates for wind power generation in the contiguous 48 states, which was huge…three times bigger than was previously believed. To put it in perspective, the total U.S. generation was 4 million gigawatts hours in 2009. The new estimate for wind potential is 37 million gigawatts hours per year. The reason for the huge increase is the technological improvements over the past ten years. We are now building wind turbine towers that are 80 feet tall instead of 50. Since wind speeds are usually higher in higher elevations, the taller towers can capture more wind, and hence, generate more electricity.
Knowing that the “fuel” for wind power is abundant and free, it makes the most sense to use wind for power before anything else. Why would we choose fuels that are monetarily and environmentally expensive, over something that is neither? Moreover, this is not just for buildings. One Stanford study shows that an electric car’s electricity that was generated by wind is the most efficient and clean method of automobile transport.
Unlike a big power plant, wind turbines are “instantly on,” they are producing power as soon as you hook them up, unlike big power plants, which take years to get through the planning stage, and even longer for nuclear plants. This huge lag time is very expensive, as no power is being generated during the construction phase, and yet a lot of money is being spent.
To think that the potential for wind generation in this country is over nine times what we need, it seems ludicrous that we are not developing it as fast as we can. It seems even crazier to still be mining and burning coal when we have such a better alternative.
Central CA-There are a lot of proud students, teachers and administrators on the Buchanan High School campus. A one-of-a-kind building is going up faster than ever and our exclusive look into the project continues.
Central CA-It took a little longer than expected but the British food store chain, Fresh & Easy, is up and running in parts of Central California.
If a check of the website isn’t enough to show it, a visit to the store will. The place is obviously green. So much so that Fresh & Easy is actively recruiting hybrid shoppers.
This one Fresno location has two hybrid car parking spaces right at the door. A new perk for going “green” with a hybrid auto…preferred parking at Fresh & Easy. That’s just one of many green strategies used by the chain to make a dent in the food market business.
With just two slots, the store may need to hire hybrid officers to police the premium parking spots.
Central CA-We have the latest progress report on the historic structure rising on the Buchanan High campus. Students returned from the holiday break to see the Energy Building reaching for the rain clouds.
You may notice the new ad on Alviston.com inviting you to NewAlviston.com. Don’t panic…the original oracle of green clarity and common sense isn’t going anywhere. The virtual city managers just decided to reach out with a couple of options to the green universe.
Visit NewAlviston.com for new and improved Alviston.com insight and information. In an effort to keep up with the rapidly changing virtual universe, the city of Alviston annexed some prime virtual property.
Between the two virtual cities you will be current on the ever changing world of green, in more ways than one.
For instance, take a look at the historic Buchanan Energy building built with and sponsored by Logix insulated concrete forms. It’s bigger and better than ever at NewAlviston.com.
Weather does not prevent progress on the historic “green” project going up on the Buchanan High campus in Central California. Click below and take a look around the dynamic project. See how students will learn to build in the future.
Central CA-It is going up as planned…a new energy facility at Buchanan High School that will make the construction world sit up and take notice. It is all “green” and it is going up maybe even quicker than planners expected. Click on the video report below for the latest on the new energy building.
Clovis, CA-Weather cooperates and the historic Buchanan project marches on. Watch now as “Green News” goes on site for a very momentous occasion. Our HD cameras witness Logix foam forms become solid walls. It’s a key element to the green construction taking place right now. Five cement trucks rolled in and out for the big event.
