Wind Power To The Rescue?

Via the great Jetson Green (check the EcoLinks list on the right) comes this tidbit:

Here's some interesting news: a new Department of Energy report claims wind turbines could generate 300 gigawatts of electricity -- roughly 20% of the US electrical grid -- by 2030. ... The report doesn't necessarily predict the future of the wind industry, but it paints a picture of what a particular 20% wind scenario could mean for the nation. The wind industry currently produces about 17 gigawatts of electricity, so we're talking about significant growth over the next twenty-something years. That said, wind industry growth has been fierce in recent years and is on track to meet these numbers if growth holds pace.

My guess is that it will be higher, but only because I don't believe the very optimistic DOE projections of the amount we will be getting from the depleting reserves of natural gas and oil. Still, nice to see that wind is getting a serious look from the muck-a-mucks in DC.

Photo: Keith Gillard