Wind Power: What We Can Learn from Denmark 24 comments
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Common knowledge states that wind energy's big drawback is that the wind doesn't blow all the time, so you have a big problem when it doesn't. Denmark's DONG Energy doesn't see it that way.
By 2007, Denmark was getting about 20% of its electricity from wind. As an existing power company integrating wind, it has enough conventional generation to supply demand any time the wind isn't blowing. The problem is when the wind is blowing during a time of low demand (i.e. overnight). In that situation, the wind farms generate more electricity than needed to meet demand. In other words, there is not a market for all the electricity that can be generated by wind, and as a result, DONG Energy is giving up a significant portion of the return on their investment because some of the electricity goes unsold. This is particularly frustrating because DONG Energy is under pressure from Danish political leaders to add more wind energy.
Enter the electric car...
DONG Energy has determined that a viable solution to their problem is to convert a large part of Denmark's vehicles to plug-in electric. Since most electric vehicles are charged overnight, this creates an ideal market for excess wind capacity. In order to fast-track the electrification of Denmark's cars, DONG has signed a letter of intent with Palo Alto-based Better Place, Inc., to collaborate in introducing electric vehicles and charging infrastructure to Denmark. Better Place designs and installs intelligent charging stations that communicate with a central office, and Better Place has a special working relationship with Renault/Nissan (NSANY) to supply plug-in electric cars to customers, starting in volume in 2011.
The National Energy Research Labs has done extensive research to determine how much wind power could be integrated into our existing U.S. grid before running into major problems. The answer: 20%. Denmark's experience confirms that this was an accurate prediction.
On our present trajectory, it will be several years before wind power reaches 20% of the U.S. grid. This means we can benefit from observing how Denmark deals with this limitation. It will suggest to us whether the growth in U.S. wind installations will stall out around 20%, or if they can go further (and how much further).
The wind turbine manufacturers supplying the U.S. market are, in order of units installed in 2007: GE Wind (GE), Vestas (VWDRY.PK), Siemens (SI), Gamesa (GCTAF.PK), Mitsubishi (MHVYF.PK), Suzlon [NSE: SUZLON.NS], Clipper (CRPWF.PK), and Nordex (NRDXF.PK).
Disclosure: No positions
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There is something important here. If the Scandinavian countries that are fairly similar in culture cannot work together where electricity and environment are concerned, how will it be possible to construct a joint energy-environmental policy with the rest of Europe - or better, with the rest of the world as the know-nothings in the Swedish, Danish and Norwegian media think is possible.
However, the grid will need large battery capability to store the electricity for use at night when the cars are being recharged. Batteries as storage is being overlooked in all these alternative energy solutions. Need to store to meet peak demand.
www.gmanews.tv/story/1...
This is probably going to be one of the bleakest holiday seasons most of us have seen in our lifetimes. Not enough credit is being given to the high gas prices this past year and it's serious damage on our economy and society. That one factor alone has caused serious stress in both individuals and businesses. A record number of homes and jobs have been lost as a direct result. And, while we are doing the happy dance around the lower prices at the pumps OPEC is announcing cuts to manipulate the prices upward again. We must get on with becoming energy independent.We can't take another year like this past. Many areas of this country are well suited to generate electricity by wind. Why not use some of the billions in bailouts and stimulus handouts to get some of these things set up and running?
www.Wind4me.com
AMSC up 20%, ZOLT up 26%, APWR up 19%
why fight the tape and the trend???
"He [Obama] just has to make sure the power lines, steel towers, etc. (materials) should be made in the USA."
Um, unless this infrastructure is actually procurred by, and remains in the posession of the government (and even then, it would be subject to the USA's obligations under the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement), there is no way that Obama can stipulate that all the goods are made in the USA and not run the risk of a challenge from another WTO member. That said, whether the steel for the towers is domestic made or imported, the increased demand on the world market could be enough to raise steel prices -- good for steel makers everywhere, but not necessarily for other industries.
Economic Conditions have changed drastically however but no one seems to notice. What was feasible with oil above $120 is no longer viable with oil below $60.
Those believing that Peak Oil is a myth or was a Conspiracy will find it very hard to find funding for Wind/Solar/Wave/Geothe... etc. technologies while oil remains low. But all of them agree that oil should remain low for the foreseeable future.
Greenhouse Gases keep this planet from becoming an Iceball but here we are playing games with the atmosphere without knowing the effects that massive uses of non emmission Technology will have on an atmosphere which has adjusted over the last 150 years to increased levels of every type of Greenhouse Gas.
No one has a handle on when "enough will be too much", since there is no coordination on a Global scale as to who will build what.
In the 70's, all of the Models pointed to the oncoming Ice Age, now its a Global Meltdown. Does this mean that reversing course rapidly will Create a new Ice Age?
I certainly don't know. Computer Models generate numbers from pre-programed statistics which provide support for whomever wishes support. Greenhouse gas concentrations are not the same over the USA as they are over India.
This winter might prove to be a harbinger of the future.
There is a Global reduction in CO2 emmissions the likes of which has not been seen for decades. It is abrupt and unlikely to turn up anytime soon. Deep Recessions around the world will reduce CO2 output drastically.
I personally believe it will be a harsh cold winter, one that will be felt globally.
This post is specifically for you Fred. You have the experience to be able to make a qualified judgement.
You are right on.
Get it when the going is good.
Wind and Solar are on the same side of the coin as Oil. Oil drops both of the latter will drop also.
Neither Wind or Solar have access to the financial credit once available. The primary mover is this sector is dead. Lehman no longer exists. Existing credit lines for most of these startups are in jeopardy. Performance Covenants require maintenance of a specific price for a given company. Breach of that price for a specific time will trigger unforeseen consequences. Who survives is moot.
IMO
Please tell me the name of the company that plans to introduce this product. The world will rush to its doors to finance it. I will make Billions as a ground floor investor.
IMHO
You said “But all of them agree that oil should remain low for the foreseeable future.” This is inaccurate. The price of oil HAS TO go back up. The current low price is artificially low because of the economic collapse and the artificially high dollar from the worldwide flight to safety. You can debate all you want about whether we are past “peak oil” or not. But, it doesn’t matter because we are definitely past “cheap oil”. Also, the emerging markets are still emerging. Just visualize 2 billion people driving Hondas.
In 2 years, oil will be much higher, maybe at $100/barrel plus. There are many people saying this, counter to what you say. Just listen to the oil analysts on CNBC. Because of all the money (trillions with a “t” and an “s”) being pumped into world economy by the central banks, I hear analysts use the word “hyperinflation” just like the word “deflation” was being used a year ago.
What did I say after that post?
You keep quoting from that same post but out of context: IE "but all of them agree that oil should remain low for the foreseeable future." referred specifically to those that believe in an Oil Conspiracy and consider Peak oil to be a Myth. (From the same paragraph, yet!)
I did not say a single word regarding my own view on Oil. Apparently, its not enough for you to push your own ideas onto the public at large. You have to prevaricate what was said as well.