U.S. HOUSE SPENDS $1 BILLION FOR WIND

House passes $1 billion wind energy bill
Jennifer Dlouty, September 10, 2009 (SF Chronicle)

"The House passed legislation [by a unanimous voice vote]…that would initiate a $1 billion program to make wind turbines more efficient and reliable.

"The measure, sponsored by Rep. Paul Tonko, D-N.Y., aims to ensure that huge wind-generating turbines - some with blades spanning 100 yards - can be more cost effective in harnessing power from the wind."

With inadequate funding, wind has grown from this...(click to enlarge)

"Wind power makes up about 2 percent of the nation's electricity portfolio. But the Energy Department last year predicted that with the development of more efficient and cheaper turbines, wind could provide 20 percent of U.S. electricity supplies by 2030…One of the biggest barriers is the high cost of transporting ever-growing rotary blades and heavy tower components from assembly plants to wind farms in gusty but often remote regions.

"Under Tonko's bill, the proposed wind research, development and demonstration program would get up to $200 million annually over five years to spur the creation of low-cost transportable towers and larger, lighter and more affordable blade materials…[T]he initiative could leverage nanoscience research by businesses and research institutions that are working at the molecular level to create lighter and more durable materials."

...to this. How much will it grow with adequate funding? (click to enlarge)

"The Energy Department program also would be tasked with improving gearbox reliability…developing cheaper automation and assembly techniques for large components…[and] support research on the computational modeling and simulation of wind-energy systems - a direct response to the challenge of generating power from erratic, unpredictable wind.

"Scientists testifying before Congress earlier this year said that improved forecasting and modeling techniques could lead to big gains in generation by guiding decisions about where to place turbines…"