Wind could provide energy alternative

Gas fields eventually will be depleted, but their life can be extended and money can be saved with the development of wind energy, a former chairman of the Colorado Public Utility Commission said here Wednesday.

By SCOTT McMILLION, Chronicle Staff Writer

But it’s going to take a lot of work and a lot of money to make that happen, said Ron Lehr, now a consultant to the national Renewable Energy Laboratory.

When gas costs $3 per thousand cubic feet (It’s now about $4.50.) wind energy becomes an economically attractive way to create electricity, Lehr told about 110 people gathered here to discuss natural gas issues.

That in turn reduces demand for gas, which lowers it’s price for other uses.

He said the nation now produces about 6,000 megawatts of wind energy, a number that could grow sixfold in the next three years.

However, for wind to be a major player, billions of dollars worth of infrastructure and transmission system work must be completed.

Lehr said the wind energy industry would be glad to get even a fraction of the subsidies now enjoyed by the traditional energy industries. The government pays $360 million yearly just for black lung benefits for coal miners, he noted.

Wind energy is not without environmental impacts, he agreed. Turbines kill birds, many people find them unsightly and siting powerlines is always difficult.

But those impacts can be reduced in most cases, he said, and they are less severe than those of traditional energy sources.

Many people debate whether to move faster or slower on the fossil fuel treadmill, he said, but he offers a different choice.

"Just step off it," he said.

Scott McMillion is at [email protected].

http://bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2003/09/18/news/windbzbigs.txt