Researchers at the University of Delaware say theyve found a solution to one of the main problems with wind power as a long-term solution to the energy crisis. Wind is variable, even in normally windy areas, so when things are dead calm at a particular wind farm, no power is being generated at that site. Yesterday, the U.D. researchers said their studies show that an interconnected system of wind farms up and down the east coast is a very real possibility. If the studies pan out and their ideas are implemented, enough energy could be produced, say the U.D. researchers, to replace fossil-fueled power plants on the eastern seaboard.
Using data collected over the past five years, researchers say that in that five-year timeframe, the wind has never died down completely along the hypothetical interconnected grid. That proves that offshore wind power would be able to generate a continual, constant source of electricity, say the University of Delaware researchers. With the primary downside to wind power figured out, and with a wind power proponent in the White House, look for major subsidies and tax breaks for development of this particular alternative energy in the not too distant future.