Wind energy comes to Bethel (Tok, Kasigluk: house, cost of, shop)

[Glitch]

Apparently Bethel just approved one 100 kilowatt wind generator:

Wind energy comes to Bethel | APRN

Let me guess, they will be building it right outside of Warptman's house to catch all that hot air, right? (Just teasing Warptman. ) I'm sure anything that cuts down on the cost of energy, even if it is limited, is still very much welcome.

I hope it works out. Maybe Bethel could build a large enough windfarm one day to eventually export that power to other bush communities.

Best of luck.

[warptman]

They are building it right outside of the city shop. I don't think it will be going anywhere else in the system. There are two villages now with wind power. Kasigluk, 18 miles to the west and out at Toksook Bay. Funny, I work with Shane! He's in the news department and I'm in the radio department.

[warptman]

Here is Toksook, you can see the three turbines on the hill behind the village.

[Glitch]

Originally Posted by warptman

They are building it right outside of the city shop. I don't think it will be going anywhere else in the system. There are two villages now with wind power. Kasigluk, 18 miles to the west and out at Toksook Bay. Funny, I work with Shane! He's in the news department and I'm in the radio department.

Do you know what those wind generators cost? It would seem to me that western Alaska would greatly benefit from wind generators. One 100 kilowatt generator could provide enough power for 20 homes. Or it could be used in conjunction with other generators to provide a cheaper more stable power source. Wind is one of the few "alternatives" that actually makes sense and is reasonably viable in Alaska.

I am also hoping the use of the geothermal generators on Mount Spurr and Augustine works out. Active volcanoes is a resource we have in abundance, and we should take advantage of that if we can.

[MissingAll4Seasons]

I think it's great that at least they have an additional source of power to maintain food safety (refrigeration). If it works out, maybe you'll get more for other parts of the city - including homes this time!

Wind power is a viable alternative on the coasts and near the hills, let's hope we can figure out the best way to harness it for the most good in remote villages and smaller communities that are barely on the grid. Every little bit helps.