wind turbines

Renewable Energy Projects In The Northeast

June 2, 2017 By EarthWise

The seven northeastern U.S. states that make up the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative have all set ambitious emissions reduction goals and renewable energy targets that will be difficult to meet. For example, New York has the goal of getting 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by the year 2030.

Wind-Powered Trains

March 3, 2017 By EarthWise

The Netherlands – the country long associated with picturesque windmills – is now operating 100% of its electric trains with wind energy.

[Read more…] about Wind-Powered Trains

Wind Farms And Ordinary Farms

January 18, 2017 By EarthWise

Farmers in many places have found additional sources of income by allowing wind turbines to be built on their land. One example is the Amazon Wind Farm, which is a massive project of over 100 turbines near Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The 494-foot tall turbine towers scattered over 34 square miles are rising up above farms that grow corn, wheat and soybeans. It is the first utility-scale wind farm in the Southeast.

Wind turbines have been getting bigger and bigger over the years. The reason is that bigger blades produce more power and give much more bang for the buck. A big part of the plummeting price of wind power is the increasing amount of power produced by each turbine.

[Read more…] about Giant Wind Turbines

Offshore Wind In Europe

November 28, 2016 By Nationally Produced Shows

The U.S. has just turned on its first offshore wind farm off the coast of Rhode Island. In the meantime, offshore wind continues to grow by leaps and bounds in Europe. Wind energy in the European Union accounts for 12% of its electricity supply. Until 2011, offshore wind comprised only 5-10% of the newly-installed wind energy capacity; now it about one third of the new installations.

Renewable Energy As Art

November 25, 2016 By Nationally Produced Shows

When we think about the visual impact of energy plants, we usually envision ugly smokestacks belching out toxic fumes. Of course, many people also consider wind turbines to be eyesores and even solar panels are often viewed unfavorably from an aesthetic point of view.

Kite Power

November 4, 2016 By Nationally Produced Shows

Wind power is a growing contributor to the energy grid but it has its limitations. Wind turbines need to be located in windy places and the structures are big, get in the way of things, and are rather costly.

[Read more…] about Kite Power

A Floating Wind Farm

May 2, 2016 By Nationally Produced Shows

The world’s first floating wind farm is being built 15 miles off the northeast coast of Scotland. The Hywind pilot park, expected to come online late next year, will generate enough power for 20,000 homes. The location will take advantage of average local North Sea wind speeds in excess of 20 miles per hour.

[Read more…] about A Floating Wind Farm

Offshore Wind At Last

September 1, 2015 By EarthWise

At the end of July, construction began on the first offshore wind installation in the United States. The Block Island Wind Farm is being built off the coast of Rhode Island and is expected to come online next year, providing electricity for about 17,000 homes.

wind turbines

The Netherlands – the country long associated with picturesque windmills – is now operating 100% of its electric trains with wind energy.

When we think about the visual impact of energy plants, we usually envision ugly smokestacks belching out toxic fumes. Of course, many people also consider wind turbines to be eyesores and even solar panels are often viewed unfavorably from an aesthetic point of view.

At the end of July, construction began on the first offshore wind installation in the United States. The Block Island Wind Farm is being built off the coast of Rhode Island and is expected to come online next year, providing electricity for about 17,000 homes.

WAMC Northeast Public Radio