More wind power reads

I am well aware that the solution to changing the current practice of energy/power creation and distribution cannot realistically be resolved with a single approach solution, however, until solar power (photovoltaic or heat stack), wave power and geothermal become either more efficient or economical I will continue to push wind power as a relatively cheap, clean and efficient stop gap solution that can be implemented by private individuals who wish to hasten change.

Now wind power does have its downsides. In Ohio most wind pattern studies were of relatively low elevation wind patterns and velocities, it wasn't until recently that mid to high elevation studies were compiled showing that the northern coast of the state can attain constant and efficient power generation due to proximity to the jet stream. In fact, recent systems in place at Oberlin College and Bowling Green are proving that at the 100m elevation large scale power harvesting would be surprisingly economical.

Much of the debate doesn't just deal with power generation. There is the "it is ugly" debate, the "added infrastructure for roads and power lines" debate, the infamous and awful "bird strikes" argument (widely disproved by now), the "loud whooshing noise" argument which I find sort of funny and even the "the turbines will slow down the wind and destroy the jet stream" argument which seems to ignore the impact of deforestation or skyscraper construction.

If you would like to read some intelligent and interesting responses to those questions (none of them mine so they do actually exhibit comprehensive thought progression) I will suggest you take a look at Charles Komanoff's Whither Wind? article published in Orion Magazine Sept-Oct 2006.

I found the approach to studying and debating wind power in this article rather wonderful and hope that some of you will actually take the time to read it.