Other sources of clean RE

Large Wind

Utility-scale wind turbines for land-based wind farms come in various sizes, with rotor diameters ranging from about 50 meters to about 90 meters, and with towers of roughly the same size. A 90-meter machine, definitely at the large end of the scale at this writing (2005), with a 90-meter tower would have a total height from the tower base to the tip of the rotor of approximately 135 meters (442 feet).

Offshore turbine designs now under development will have larger rotors—at the moment, the largest has a 110-meter rotor diameter—because it is easier to transport large rotor blades by ship than by land.

The 4 min. video embedded to the left is from a PBS show e² ("E-Squared"), and shows the making of 60 meter blades for the Suzlon 2.1 S88 turbine.

(Source: AWEA.ORG)

The fastest growing energy source in the world

...and here in the US wind farms have popped up in more than 30 states, producing enough energy to power an estimated 2.5 million homes a day. Thanks to growing concerns over natural gas prices, a desire for energy independence and incentives for renewable energy production, it's expected this trend will continue.

A clean, renewable energy source, wind energy systems generate no water or air emissions. While critics of wind power point to a price discrepancy, noting that construction costs for wind-powered generators can run double those of fossil fuel plants, supporters counter that once wind facilities are constructed, there are no fuel costs, because wind, of course, is free. Likewise, they say that since maintenance is considered minimal, wind-power costs are competitive.

(Source: Siemens video, 2007)

Solar PV

The term "photovoltaics" (abbreviated "PV") refers to the use of solar energy to generate electricity. Farmers and ranchers are using photovoltaics to pump water, power lighting, charge electric fences, and run all sorts of appliances at locations far from the power grid.

Solar Thermal

Sunlight can also be used to heat water for home or agricultural uses, including applications in greenhouses and radiant floor heating.

Small Hydro

We make the distinction between "small hydro" technologies and "large hydroelectric" projects because large dam projects typically involve the destruction of vast natural ecosystems and frequently impose social injustices.

Geothermal

Geothermal energy capture involves taking advantage of the heating or cooling capability of the earth's crust in comparison to the atmostphere. The temperature above the ground and below the ground can be tremendously different, allowing for power production or direct heating/cooling of air (HVAC)

 

An Introduction to Solar Energy Applications for Agriculture

A brief overview of some applications of solar energy technologies used in agriculture. Additional sources are provided for more specific information about the solar energy applications highlighted in this guide from The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (http://www.nyserda.org). See www.PowerNaturally.org for rebates and incentives in the state of New York. (source: http://www.nyserda.org)

 

Selecting the Best Site for Power Generation

3TIER is an energy efficiency company targeting investors and large companies. 3TIER provides the core data and knowledge for clients to make decisions regarding their investment in a renewable energy generation technology. 3TIER is unique in that they cover all of the weather driven-renewables of wind, solar, and hydro. Using sophisticated computer modeling systems, in-house expertise, and reliable delivery mechanisms they provide the crucial time dependent information required by renewable energy project operators, developers, financiers, marketers, and others. You'll notice that when they talk about "site assessment" they are not helping to assess *your site*: they are comparing sites throughout the world.

 

Clean Energy Farming: Cutting Costs, Improving Efficiencies, Harnessing Renewables

Across the country, as energy prices climb, farmers are turning more and more to clean energy practices. From energy-saving light bulbs to solar panels to fuels grown and processed on the farm, farmers are making their operations more profitable, efficient and cleaner. "Clean Energy Farming: Cutting Costs, Improving Efficiencies, Harnessing Renewables" [PDF 2192k] features innovative SARE-funded research and examples of farmers who are improving energy efficiency while saving money, implementing farming practices that both save energy and protect natural resources, and producing and using renewable fuels.