Wind mills at "the reformatory"
The NHRs Luther Turmelle is reporting that state Rep. Mary Fritz wants to "require the department to apply for a grant from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund and launch a pilot program to erect wind power turbines at one of the state’s prisons.
I haven't read the bill yet, but am concerned about it. Thing is, I think it's useful to look at the state land and determine if a windmill makes sense. But if it doesn't make sense, then no windmill should be required... just because it sounds nice. In other words... just because the leaves are blowing in the wind... that doesn't mean a wind mill makes sense.
A wind mill is expensive and it needs a certain amount of wind to make it efficient. If a strong, steady wind doesn't exist... you may very well get more bang for your buck using solar power (either electric or thermal).
Considering wind turbines for state property is a good idea. But mandating the installation of one is not necessarily a good use of tax dollars.
Tim White
10 comments:
What I object to is the insinuation that the Reformatory land is somehow "bottom land". The truth is that a large portion of the land (NOT visible from Route 10) is beautiful farmland that should be preserved. They would probably need to be 100'-150' high anyway
Wind turbines are cheaper than solar panels and the natural wind on the knoll makes it a logical idea. I agree that it doesnt have to be a mandate. Being that it is a high security prison, there is little to no chance that any of the land will ever be farmed again other than the yearly haying. The state has plenty of land and a constant wind. Makes sense.
There must be wind maps of the entire state which show the average wind speed and frequency of each location.
Turbines should be placed at locations of optimal year round wind conditions. This would be the economic and scientific approach.
Turbines should not be mandated at locations of optimal political bragging rights for politicians.
I have heard that there are no locations in Cheshire with enough wind that would support wind turbines.
There must be wind maps of the entire state which show the average wind speed and frequency of each location.... I've seen computer programs for the entire country, so the CT-only map probably exists.
Turbines should be placed at locations of optimal year round wind conditions. This would be the economic and scientific approach....
Turbines should not be mandated at locations of optimal political bragging rights for politicians....
I agree.
Plenty of wind maps can be found via google. Enter "wind maps".
As you will see, all of Connecticut's land is classified as poor to marginal for wind power potential. Long Island Sound is the best bet.
Sure looks like Mrs. Fritz is grandstanding. Wind turbines should be sited by science, not by politics.
Comparatively-speaking, the Sound is not great when considering wind farms for other coastal states because of its namesake - Long Island. Anywhere else it can make great sense, but LI reduces the wind.
If a private investor were to drop $100 million on a wind farm, the Sound would almost certainly not make the list of possibilities.
In terms of renewable energies, CTs best bets are solar thermal, solar electric and geothermal. Even tidal power is obviously diminished by LI.
"I have heard that there are no locations in Cheshire with enough wind"
Check out the 5 Dem rubber stampers on the Town Council. Bring back Esty, and hook them right into the grid. That way they would serve a purpose.
The one major location of wind power that has been left off all of the maps is the Town Hall in Cheshire. Tuesday might sessions generate more than enough power to run this Town.
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