Hey Georgina,

We are currently looking at financing a couple wind farms which are designed to take advantage of the tradewinds, but in a different area of the world.

Great post.

Sean Allen

Texas is still debating using windpower in a big way. Part of our problem is that we are on the flight path for migrating birds. Now they are speaking about capturing the wave energy in the Gulf, but they are checking to see that it will not hurt the ecosystem there.

Sean Allen and Pilar - I hope that works out.... please blog about it here.

Frank - in this case, they ensured that no wildlife would be compromised.  But when you consider the alternative... did anyone ever do environmental impact studies before installing diesel burning generators?  What's the environmental cost of a coal burning plant?  As they said, 600 barrels of oil a day are now NOT burned here on Maui.... that's a really good thing, even if a few birds do happen to get knocked in the head. 

Georgina - That's really forward thinking... I wish that the would also use these offshore in Florida, but everyone is so afraid the will ruin the views.  We have to start thinking about the future. 

Debbie - they don't ruin the view, they enhance the view - it's the sight of energy independence.

Georgina~ 

Interesting to think about the whole subject of renewable energy...and then to see examples of how it is happening in locales around the world...I am wondering about SOLAR energy in HA...any news on that?

I've heard of some areas considering putting windmills at sea, but the locals complained about the view.  My statement is, "would you rather see an oil rig?"

JaneAnne - lots of people use solar hot water - that's a no brainer.  Many people are also now doing grid tie ins with solar panels to ease their electric bill burden.  Some companies go for it full on - like the Harley Davidson shop that I posted about a while ago.  So far no large scale government backed PV projects are in the works (on Maui) that I'm aware of... probably because of space constraints... vacant land is too precious.

Tiffany - I hear you!  Windmills look much better than oil rigs or smoke stacks.  We should get used to it.

Georgina,

Looks like the wind-generated energy is taking off on the islands and the daily savings are noteworthy. Nevada is moving ahead with wind technology, too, because our deserts and ridgelines are ideal for harnessing that energy.

Esko - good for Nevada - more states and counties need to get with it - it's FREE energy!

Georgina - wow! A wind power farm! Fantastic!!!! The way of the future! We need that here in Florida too, along the coastline!!!

BJ - Doesn't your state do this yet?  I hear it's getting more and more common, especially in Europe.