Wind generates more power in Spain than any other source

[Willinois]

More than a quarter of their power came from wind and they're on the way to 40%. The lights are still on. Rates aren't exorbitant. The world didn't fall apart.

Windfarms break energy record in Spain

Quote:Over the last three months wind farms produced more electricity than any other power source in Spain for the first time ever, an industry group has said.

Quote:The performance means wind energy exceeded output from both nuclear and coal-fired power stations and represents more than a quarter of Spain's total power generation.

Spain has a diverse energy mix with nuclear and natural gas making up significant parts of their grid.

[azmouse]

Wind power seems like it could be a good idea in the deserts of AZ.

[Willinois]

(02-06-2013 04:56 PM)azmouse Wrote:  Wind power seems like it could be a good idea in the deserts of AZ.

People usually talk about Arizona's excellent capacity for solar, but you inspired me to google and you're right that it's a decent wind state too. It's a shame the state's leaders aren't taking advantage of the clean energy jobs boom they could be having.

http://nau.edu/CEFNS/Centers-Institutes/...urce-Maps/

[azmouse]

(02-06-2013 05:02 PM)Willinois Wrote:  

(02-06-2013 04:56 PM)azmouse Wrote:  Wind power seems like it could be a good idea in the deserts of AZ.

People usually talk about Arizona's excellent capacity for solar, but you inspired me to google and you're right that it's a decent wind state too. It's a shame the state's leaders aren't taking advantage of the clean energy jobs boom they could be having.

http://nau.edu/CEFNS/Centers-Institutes/...urce-Maps/

I'm relying on memory here but I thought I read solar would be a problem in AZ... not because of a lack of sunlight but because solar also requires a substantial amount of water to make it practical on a very large scale.
I am seeing more and more solar panels on roofs so at least on a small scale solar is catching on here.