[chance2jump]

Looking forward to seeing more announcements like this!

New wind turbines will be produced, used in Michigan | lansingstatejournal.com | Lansing State Journal

[michigan83]

Just say no to offshore wind turbines!!

Those things are ugly. If I ever have to look at those things while sitting on the beach in Ludington or at Sleeping Bear, I think I will literally cry.

Unfortunately, I think we will build a bunch of them and ruin our beautiful lake views before we finally realize that they are about as "green" and useful as ethanol plants.

Cumberland News | Wind turbines are neither reliable nor cost-effective

[chance2jump]

Originally Posted by michigan83

Just say no to offshore wind turbines!!

Those things are ugly. If I ever have to look at those things while sitting on the beach in Ludington or at Sleeping Bear, I think I will literally cry.

Unfortunately, I think we will build a bunch of them and ruin our beautiful lake views before we finally realize that they are about as "green" and useful as ethanol plants.

Cumberland News | Wind turbines are neither reliable nor cost-effective

That article is an opinion based write up with little reference to independent studies. The city of Bowling Green, Ohio has been running their electricity off wind turbines for years successfully.

Wind Turbines — City of Bowling Green, Ohio

I would have to wonder if articles that are against wind turbines are, in fact, 'influenced' by higher powers that would have their bank accounts directly affected by the loss of revenue from fossil energy.

[michigan83]

I would have to wonder if articles that are against wind turbines are, in fact, 'influenced' by higher powers that would have their bank accounts directly affected by the loss of revenue from fossil energy.

That is a valid point.

But, while you are at it... you should also wonder who is going to profit from placing wind turbines in the midst of our greatest tourist attraction. It's not going to be taxpayers.

[chance2jump]

Originally Posted by michigan83

That is a valid point.

But, while you are at it... you should also wonder who is going to profit from placing wind turbines in the midst of our greatest tourist attraction. It's not going to be taxpayers.

The article I presented does not indicate if the wind turbines referenced to will be placed in the Lakes. I know that is in discussion stages, but not set in stone. If you do not want it to happen, I suggest you be sure to follow the committee meetings so you can be sure your voice is heard in opposition.

[michmoldman]

Originally Posted by michigan83

Just say no to offshore wind turbines!!

Those things are ugly. If I ever have to look at those things while sitting on the beach in Ludington or at Sleeping Bear, I think I will literally cry.

Unfortunately, I think we will build a bunch of them and ruin our beautiful lake views before we finally realize that they are about as "green" and useful as ethanol plants.

Cumberland News | Wind turbines are neither reliable nor cost-effective

I hear that...and speaking of ethanol plants, I heard about the big one they are gonna build in the U.P, and use 150 acres of forest surrounding the plant to run it...makes me sick to even think about it. I thought ethonal was a dying idea.

[actinic]

There's growing evidence to suggest wind turbines ultimately produce *greater* pollution. Since wind is variable, coal/nuclear plants will now be forced to produce variably to make up the difference. The problem is these plants were all designed with best efficiencies when constant, no different than a car which produces the least amount of pollution at a constant speed. Start increasing/decreasing energy, akin to a car constantly speeding up/slowing down, and you've got greater pollution.

[Retroit]

On a side note, I've seen GIANT wind turbine blades being transported on I-94 and was wondering where they are coming from & going to. A Google search didn't help much (mostly focused on smaller turbines). I've seen them going both east and west, usually in the area west of I-275.

Anyone know?

[snoshoewalkr]

If they looked like this, then some of them ended up just down the road from me (Stoney Corners Wind Farm in Missaukee County).

[wagonman76]

There's growing evidence to suggest wind turbines ultimately produce *greater* pollution. Since wind is variable, coal/nuclear plants will now be forced to produce variably to make up the difference. The problem is these plants were all designed with best efficiencies when constant, no different than a car which produces the least amount of pollution at a constant speed. Start increasing/decreasing energy, akin to a car constantly speeding up/slowing down, and you've got greater pollution.

Don't they already do this? Since actual energy use is variable anyway and demand is usually a lot lower at night, and usually quite a bit higher on really hot days.

I wouldn't so much compare it to a car speeding up and slowing down, since there is no external assistance and it still takes about the same amount of work to get from point a to point b. I'd compare it to the car being pushed every now and then for a good portion of the trip, and it would use less fuel. The car would run at a fairly constant speed but whenever it is being helped it would lessen the load and use less fuel. Same way you get better mileage in a tailwind. The generator would work the same way, since when the wind is spinning the turbine, it lessens the electrical load at the power plant generator and less force is required to turn it, using less fuel.

Anyway, I think they're a good idea. Making clean energy from a natural resource that Michigan has a lot of, the wind. Unlike many places, we have clean air and getting more of our energy from means other than burning of fossil fuels will help keep it that way. If I had to live next to one, I'd much rather it be a wind turbine than a power plant. They can be made to look nice. And I don't hear people complaining about all the cell phone towers everywhere.