Quote from OldTrader:
Had you bothered to read the article at that link, you might have discovered that a) it was an AP story reprinted on MSN and b) in the article they reference the tax credit you mention, only they claim it is 2.0 cents/kwh rather than 1.5 cents/kwh that you mention.
http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?feed=AP&date=20080602&id=8716988
My info is outdated, I stand corrected. It is 2cents/kwh as being adjusted for inflation of the 1.5cents/kwh from 1993.
I skimmed the article, it is ok, just very broad.
Thanks for your link. But what I'm interested in is the following:
Please give me a link to a case study that illustrates any of your assertions....like his wind plan is a myth, he's concocted a scheme to enrich himself under fake pretenses, etc.
Oh, and by the way, Boone's initial capital outlay was $2 Billion.
OldTrader
I don't just give out research like that. I spent a good amount of time reading various articles, discussion with people in the industry, as well as a tiny bit of hands on experience. However, you can find information without much problem. Look up various feedback & research on Denmark's program, FPL Energy's projects in Pennsylvania and California's wind projects. There are organizations, mainly environmentalists & communities who have been working to stop & amend the current wind movement.
Some key points:
1. These are not the cute turbines you see in the ads. These are monster turbines, 200-300ft tall.
2. They are moving parts. Hence wear & tear.
3. They stand in the way of insects & birds. Use your imagination.
4. They make a lot of noise, mostly aerodynamic, which travels a lot of distance and has a lot of side effects on both humans & wildlife.
5. Wind patterns don't cater to our electric demand patterns.
As for Boone putting up $2billion out of the quoted $12 billion needed, that sounds like a very lucrative situation for him. He easily recovers the $2bn via tax credits. Either way, he is basically proposing a plan that transfers money from us to him to help his investments. Since he is filthy rich and seems to want to help so much, let him finance it all by himself. Let the funds go to those who actually need the capital.
He chose wind over other technologies because large wind projects are favored at the US Energy department. They seem to like em and provide heavy support for it. It's easier money to tap. Also, GE is big on turbines and has exercised their pull over the Energy department.
I don't see him throwing ANY support toward other technologies, and that alone sets off a big red flag.
I'm not trying to bash wind into the ground, it has its uses. But that plan is a pipedream at our expense. The natural gas stuff has good traction, but realistically, he might as well invest heavily in battery technology for electric cars if he wants to help.