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As wind power becomes more popular, wildlife advocates wonder how animals are affected by wind turbines. In this segment, Mary asks Bob, "Have there been any studies to determine how many birds have been killed by wind turbines?" Watch the story to see Bob's answer.
Community Services Manager Bob Stoffs has been handling Green Power questions for nearly a decade. Chances are, if you have a question, he knows the answer. Here on Green View, Bob will be fielding your questions, in print and on camera. Go ahead, CLICK HERE and leave your question for Bob.
As wind power becomes more popular, wildlife advocates wonder how animals are affected by wind turbines. In this segment, Mary asks Bob, "Have there been any studies to determine how many birds have been killed by wind turbines?" Watch the story to see Bob's answer. Community Services Manager Bob Stoffs has been handling Green Power questions for nearly a decade. Chances are, if you have a question, he knows the answer. Here on Green View, Bob will be fielding your questions, in print and on camera. Go ahead, CLICK HERE and leave your question for Bob. Comments
December 1, 2009 - 11:26am — Jed Hannemann (not verified)
This web channel is AWESOME!This web channel is AWESOME! Thanks so much MG&E for developing, posting and keeping stories current. Wonderful job!
April 28, 2009 - 11:08am — William Sandall (not verified)
Geothermal EnergyDear Bob, Considering the amount of energy stored within the center of the Earth, how come more energy isn't sourced from geothermal technology . I've heard that at the moment it can only be carried out in certain places, but surely in this modern age where we can send man to the moon it would be a small challenge to access it anywhere. If we can drill for oil, why can't we drill below the crust? Bob's answer: You are right – there is a huge amount of energy in hot rocks several miles below the earth’s surface that could be used to generate power and provide heat for buildings and other processes. The problem is accessing this energy in a cost effective way. This is being done already in some areas: According to the US Department of Energy and the US Energy Information Administration, there are currently 42 geothermal plants in five western states with nearly 3,000 megawatts of generating capacity. These plants are in locations where the geothermal energy is relatively close to the surface and other geologic conditions are conducive to creating underground hot water reservoirs which can be tapped for power production. To make large scale geothermal generation cost-competitive outside of these special areas is much more difficult, however. A number of significant advances are needed to make this type of generation possible, including improvements in drilling and power conversion technologies, as well as improved techniques for site characterization, reservoir creation, well field development and system operation. Ongoing geothermal research and development should get a boost from some provisions of the recent American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, such as increased investment and production tax credits and renewable energy grants, but it is likely to be decades before technologies and processes are developed that can cost effectively produce large amounts of energy from deeper geothermal resources. In the meantime existing wind, solar, biomass and other renewable technologies are available now and are becoming increasingly cost competitive with fossil fuels. All of these technologies will be needed to reduce our use of limited fossil fuel resources. Here are some links with more information on geothermal energy: US DOE information: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/enhanced_systems.html US Energy Information Administration information: http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/page/geothermal/geothermal...
February 7, 2009 - 1:51pm — Dr. Memory (not verified)
InsulationIs there a best solution to add insulation to my condo built in the late 1970s? Also, why does the porridge bird lay its egg in the air? Bob's Answer: Having an energy evaluation before you start would help identify energy problems and prioritize the best measures to save energy and money. Sometimes larger buildings operate in complicated ways that make it more difficult to get good results with individual energy improvements, so you may want to work with your neighbors to assess and improve the whole building at the same time. To learn about detailed energy assessments available from Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program, call 800-762-7077 or visit http://www.focusonenergy.com/Residential/Home-Improvement/. Cash incentives are available for qualified energy improvements through this program. Your second question reminds me of something the leprechauns used to ask me when I was a sprout in Indiana. Read me Dr. Memory?
December 24, 2008 - 11:21am — Eric Lewis (not verified)
Biomass Power plantsWould you comment on the future of Biomass power in mid- to western Wisconsin? How will biomass be purchased? How will biomass be delivered to power plants? Does the location of railroads and terminals play a role in delivery of biomass to power plants? Can you identify information sources about biomass that would assist farmers who wish to prepare for the biomass power plant economy? Bob's Answer:
December 29, 2008 - 1:14pm — Joe Rossmeissl (not verified)
Why a wind farm next to Horicon?Siting a wind farm is critical to avoiding damage to bird and bat populations, as the video says. Given that, I very much hope that MG&E is not participating in the Forward Energy Center, a big wind farm being developed by Invenergy Wind LLC in Dodge and Fond du Lac counties, adjacent to the Horicon Marsh. Many herons, cranes, and other birds in and around the Marsh will be killed by the turbines. Bob's Answer: We appreciate your concern about the potential for higher levels of avian mortality at that site because of the proximity of the Horicon Marsh and the associated resident and migratory bird species in that area. This issue received extensive consideration during the Public Service Commission (PSC) approval process including site studies, testimony from experts and various environmental groups as well as comments from the public. As a result, the PSC ruled that the wind farm setback distance be increased from 1.2 to 2 miles from the marsh as requested by the US Fish and Wildlife Service to reduce potential effects on the bird population. The PSC also ordered that detailed avian studies be conducted for a minimum of two years after completion to determine whether the wind farm has a significant impact on bird mortality as well as on nesting, breeding, foraging and flight behavior. We believe that the results of this public process along with the ongoing monitoring and oversight will serve to protect wildlife in the area of this wind farm from any significant impacts. Click here to see the final PSC decision. For the complete documents for this case, click here and enter 9300 CE 100 in the three boxes next to "Docket ID (Full or Partial)" and click "Search".
December 22, 2008 - 11:12am — Anonymous (not verified)
fighting anti wind and solar proposed ordinancesWhat are some resources we can turn to to fight anti renewable energy ordinances being proposed? Bob's Answer: The Midwest Renewable Energy Association also works to promote renewable energy through technology demonstration and education. You might also be interested in learning more about proposals developed by Wisconsin’s Task Force on Global Warming. These include several recommendations to increase the production and use of renewable energy in the state.
December 18, 2008 - 7:21pm — Anonymous (not verified)
How do wind turbines workThis may seem a dumb question, but I don't understand just how wind turbines really work to create energy. Could you respond as if I were a 4th grader? Thanks. Carol Bob's Answer: Most modern wind turbines have three blades connected to a hub. This set of components is called the rotor. The generator is enclosed along with gears and controls in a housing called a nacelle. The rotor is attached to the nacelle which is mounted on top of a tall tower. The generator is then connected through a substation to an electrical transmission line and helps supply power to homes and businesses. When the wind blows fast enough to produce power, a control system turns the nacelle and rotor toward the wind and the generator begins to create electricity. As the wind blows faster, the additional force creates larger amounts of electricity up to the rated generator capacity. The largest wind turbines are mounted towers up to 35 stories high, rotor diameters much longer than a football field and generating capacities of up to 5 megawatts. At very high wind speeds the blades twistst to shed the excess wind energy. If the wind speed reaches dangerous levels the turbine systems automatically shut down to prevent damage. As you can see, your question is not at all dumb. Modern wind turbines are extremely large and very complicated machines.
December 17, 2008 - 11:39am — Angie Peltier (not verified)
green energy for everyoneDear Bob- Bob's Answer: At the beginning of 2008, MGE added a significant amount of additional green power from two new wind farms in Wisconsin and Iowa, plus a smaller amount from local solar electric systems. By summer, most of energy from these new resources was being purchased by customers through the Green Power Tomorrow program (GPT). So far, 10% of MGE’s residential customers along with more than 170 business customers have signed up. MGE’s GPT program now has the highest participation rate among investor owned utility programs in the country. This fall, in response to the strong demand, MGE secured another large amount of renewable energy from another new wind farm. This additional power will allow Green Power Tomorrow participation to nearly double again. Counting all sources, renewable energy is expected to account for more than 12% of MGE’s total power supply in 2009. As long as there is interest from our customers, MGE will look for ways to add more renewable energy to our supply mix. I should also note that all MGE customers do currently purchase a small amount of green power that is included in the overall generation mix as required by Wisconsin’s renewable portfolio standards. The energy provided through MGE’s Green Power Tomorrow is in addition to this required amount. Thank you for supporting renewable energy. Post new commentUser login |
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As wind power becomes more popular, wildlife advocates wonder how animals are affected by wind turbines. In this segment, Mary asks Bob, "Have there been any studies to determine how many birds have been killed by wind turbines?" Watch the story to see Bob's answer.
Community Services Manager Bob Stoffs has been handling Green Power questions for nearly a decade. Chances are, if you have a question, he knows the answer. Here on Green View, Bob will be fielding your questions, in print and on camera. Go ahead, CLICK HERE and leave your question for Bob.
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This web channel is AWESOME!
"This web channel is AWESOME! Thanks so much MG&E for developing, posting and keeping stories current...." Comment by Jed Hannemann More >>
Geothermal Energy
"Dear Bob, Considering the amount of energy stored within the center of the Earth, how come more energy isn't sourced from geothermal technology ...." Comment by William Sandall More >>
Insulation
"Is there a best solution to add insulation to my condo built in the late 1970s? Also, why does the porridge bird lay its egg in the air? Bob's Answer: As a rule of thumb, you should have several inches of insulation covering the tops of the wood joists on the floor of your attic...." Comment by Dr. Memory More >>