Power arrives in the breeze – Idaho has more wind available than California

The answer to the energy crisis, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.

While the cost of natural gas and electricity have climbed through a series of spikes, wind power cost has remained steady, and will likely decrease as it becomes more prevalent and increased production of wind turbines lowers their price.

By RICK THOMAS
Staff writer

http://www.cdapress.com/articles/2004/03/12/business/bus01.txt

At a workshop held Thursday at the Coeur d’Alene Inn, several dozen participants heard about the potential for wind energy in Idaho.

"Wind is the fastest growing energy source in the world," said Kurt Myers from the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory. "The wind is free."

Idaho has more wind resources — 800,000 acres — than California, but California has developed many more projects, said Myers.

California is 17th in the nation for wind resources, and has more than $2 billion invested in wind projects. Idaho is ranked 13th for wind-power potential and has no commercial wind installations, he said.

Though the initial cost for starting a wind project is high, grants, tax credits and accelerated depreciation can make them economically viable, said Brian Jackson of Renaissance Engineering and Design of Melba, Idaho.

Two tax credit bills and a sales tax exemption bill are pending in the Idaho Legislature, said Myers, and passage could make turbines more attractive in the state, which is a net importer of energy.

Larger turbines, which can stand nearly 300 feet high and have 10,000-pound blades up to 77 feet in circumference and cost up to $2 million, but can be economically feasible because the variations in wind are less than any other energy source, and more predictable, said Jackson.

Though the average wind speed is less in North Idaho, and energy costs lower, there is interest here.

Jerry Willis lives on the Rathdrum Prairie in Post Falls and came to the workshop because he’s interested in installing a small turbine on his property.

"It’s about doing your part in reducing consumption and dependence on imports," he said.

And while a small turbine producing up to 10 kilowatt-hours of power can cost $2,000 to $5,000 per KwH, there are used units available that can reduce the cost considerably, said Willis.

Site assessment is one of the major hurdles in getting financing for turbines, said Myers. A full year of anemometer testing is required to get accurate site results.

A 20-meter kit for a small turbine site costs $1,600 shipped. A multiple unit with the wind measuring devices place at 30, 40 and two at 50 meters, typical for a commercial site costs $7,600.

And while the cost recovery time for a small unit will be 25 to 28 years, the turbines are finding favor as traditional energy costs rise.

"I don’t know anybody who believes they’re going to get cheaper," said Myers.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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