Catching the Wind!

A terrific article in the NY Times this morning on capturing wind energy in the form of compressed air. One issue with wind is that it only produces energy when it is blowing. Storing the excess in batteries or using it to turn sea water into hydrogen to drive fuel cells are some alternatives.

But storing the wind in the form of compressed air that can then be released later to drive power generators when and where it's needed most is a new twist.

The Times article says: 

“This is a game-changing technology,” said Stephen C. Byrd, the president of P.S.E.G. Energy Holdings, which will invest $20 million over three years. “There is a desire for energy independence, and this will reduce the need for oil and natural gas.”

The US Department of Energy issued a report that indicated wind power cold meet 20% of US Electricity needs by 2030 without storage. That figure would only increase if wind energy could be stored for peak loads and other needs.

There are even a line of autos being produced that run on compressed air. Wind turbines could literally produce the "fuel" needed to drive to work .... out of thin air!

Any way the wind blows, it's alright by me!

You can read the NY Times article in full at :

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/26/nyregion/26wind.html

You can check out Air cars at :

http://www.theaircar.com