Green Energy Almost Cost-Competitive with Fossil Fuels 843
js7a writes "As reported in the Houston Chronicle, the sharply rising cost of natural gas and other fossil fuels has caused the cost of renewable energy to finally reach the price of nonrenewables. However, wind still has some catching up to do: 'a 10 percent wind- and 90 percent water-generated mix is about $9 per month less expensive than the 100 percent wind plan.' As more wind generation and grid transmission capacity is built, wind will eventually become more competitive than hydroelectric, but hydro and other sources will be required to balance grid demand in calm areas. Slashdot has been following this trend."
Re:Not exactly "green" yet (Score:3, Funny)
Until they hit the windmills...
Simple solution, create wind (Score:2, Funny)
The current primary obstacle is that there are many days when the weather is calm and there is less wind. My suggestion is, on those days simply CREATE the wind.
First, it is known that as heat rises, it generates a low pressure area that cool air must fill. This can be demonstrated by noticing how some dust and smoke is pulled into a campfire at the base.
Second, our nation is full of unwanted trash storage sites that consume vast acreage and are generally unpleasant to be near.
My suggestion: If we were to light the various garbage dumps on fire on those inconveniently calm days, the massive flames would generate an equally massive low pressure area. As the flames climbed hundreds of feet into the air, the temporary vacuum would be filled by surrounding air. The fires would grow in size quickly, and soon air from across the county would be moving inwards towards the fire to help oxidize this high temperature reaction.
As the air rushes to fill the spaces, the thousands of still windmills across the cities would begin to spin again, providing a continued source of pollution free wind power.
As an added bonus, each dump would eventually be consumed and could be used to build schools, hospitals, and baby milk factories.
It's a win win situation, both for a green future AND for getting rid of trash!
Re:Not exactly "green" yet (Score:1, Funny)
Solar: Nope, those solar panels provide additional shade and will disrupt the desert for which the are most suited.
Fusion: Not there yet and Will the human end up talking like Donald Duck in 1000 years from all the helium produced?
Hydrogen: You have to make hydrogen from something...
Re: Morbo! (Score:3, Funny)
(due to robot emissions-induced global warming, tortoises are migrating north into Holland)
Morbo (paraphrased): "Morbo wishes luck to the brave turtles."
Co-anchor: "Maybe those windmills will keep them cool!"
Morbo (to co-anchor, enraged): "WINDMILLS DO NOT WORK THAT WAY!"
Morbo (to camera, still enraged): "GOOD NIGHT!"
Re:Not exactly "green" yet (Score:5, Funny)
You're new here, aren't you? :)
Re:Simple solution, create wind (Score:2, Funny)
re-read parent post with your satire glasses on and it makes much more sense.
That whole "modest proposal" thing should tip you off rather swiftly.
Re:Wind (Score:3, Funny)
Well... it depends on the kind of wind you're talking about.
Re:Not exactly "green" yet (Score:2, Funny)
this isn't a problem - it's a solution.
Get ready for "Tyson Free Range Pheasant"
Stop wind power now! (Score:3, Funny)
Wind-power considered harmful (Score:2, Funny)
Just say NO to wind-farms! Do it for Florida!
Harness Masterbation (Score:2, Funny)
It's the infinite energy source we've all been waiting for.
green energy In Texas?? (Score:1, Funny)
Its made of people! (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Not exactly "green" yet (Score:3, Funny)
Funnily enough in the last 5 years I have not seen a single bird hit any of my windows.
How about your hood scoop [nasioc.com]?