Offshore Wind Power

Today, I continue the series of articles related to the Blue Revolution, which is Chapter 4 of "SIMPLE SOLUTIONS FOR PLANET EARTH" (http://simplesolutionsbook1.com/). -The wind power section in Chapter Two mentioned various projects aimed at placing wind energy conversion devices at sea. Most of these, actually, are located in marshy, wetland, coastline areas which are not too deep. The problem with offshore wind power is that it is difficult enough trying to maintain a machine on land. The ocean brings salinity, hurricanes, and that three orders of magnitude (compared to wind) more potent force called waves. But, gosh, as most of the really attractive wind regimes could well be offshore, as in Hawaii, I wish a better system can be developed. Mooring will make the effort problematic, but the field is just waking up.-One advantage of a dynamically positioned (no mooring) plantship, which would rotate in a gyre, is that a product such as hydrogen could be hydrostatically stored in a "bladder" and transferred to the marketplace. Not only are the best Hawaii wind sites located between the islands, but the ocean is currently free.

Also on the plus side, the turbulence faced by the land-based wind blades would be minimized (that is, the effect of mountains causing instability should not be as troublesome) at sea. Also it is possible that some ocean wind locations could be closer to the population base than mega wind farms. -The problem with offshore wind farms of any size, though, is that they are commonly floated for the media and never get built. Environmentalists sometimes get involved against this option. Is there even one major marine wind farm in operation?

If you ever wanted to go to Stockholm, it is hosting an offshore wind conference from September 14-16 in 2009. It is reported that 4000 MW could be in European waters by 2010 and up to 20 billion invested by 2020.

I am bullish for this renewable technology, although much needs to be researched and developed. There is almost no current U.S. government funding for this option.-Oil prices slightly rose today to above 125/barrel. The Dow Jones Industrials dropped by 283.-Now Tropical Depression Dolly swept through Texas/Mexico and, at a peak of 100 MPH, dumped a foot of rain, and is now at 35 MPH and will further dissipate.-Tropical Storm Genevieve, at 60 MPH, is continuing to move west towards Hawaii, and should become a hurricane soon, but will most likely weaken and pass south of the Big Island late next week. But, you never know.-