Wind Power News: Louisiana
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted.
Regulatory approval program for renewable energy set to take effect
The federal government will soon treat renewable energy much the way it treats fossil fuel production in the Outer Continental Shelf, with a long-awaited regulatory program set to take effect before the end of the month.
A crowd gathered on Tuesday at the Minerals Management Service’s Elmwood office to hear details about the program, which for the first time will put renewable energy on equal footing with fossil fuels produced from federal waters.
Oil and gas companies have for decades been able . . .
Wind energy group unsure of state’s future plans
Wind Energy Systems Technology, headquatered in New Iberia, recently ad-dressed the Louisiana Public Service Commission regarding its desire to expand wind-gathering operations to the Louisiana Coast.
Harold Schoeffler, of Lafayette and W.E.S.T. partner , said the group left the meeting with more questions then answers.
The group has begun operations in Texas, where they have been successful in acquiring 18 square miles of leases, nine miles off the coast of Galveston Island. They remain optimistic about future ventures in Louisiana. . . .
A skeptic second-guesses Pickens
Mr. T. Boone Pickens has been very vocal regarding his support for solar and wind power to answer all our energy needs. They’re both good ideas — to a point.
They are renewable sources of energy, albeit a little unreliable. Still or cloudy days can be a little problem, and nightfall happens regularly, but everyone knows that the utility company with its hydro, steam and gas turbines will come to the rescue — or will it? Spinning reserves are expensive.
One little . . .
Louisiana lacks wind power
Louisiana may have plenty of oil and natural gas, but the state comes up short in another source of power that’s skyrocketing in popularity — the wind.
Unlike other parts of the nation, Louisiana does not have a dependable supply of wind.
“The wind does not blow everywhere equally,” said Bryan Crouch, an engineer with Louisiana’s Department of Natural Resources.
But Herman J Schellstede, owner of an oil industry equipment company in New Iberia, is betting the Gulf of Mexico can produce enough . . .
Entergy pitches renewable energy credits, not sources
Customers can buy credits to support efforts in other areas
Entergy New Orleans is moving forward with a program that would allow residents to purchase credits for power produced from sources such as wind, solar and biofuels.
The company sees the effort as a way to bolster its green credentials while allowing ecology-minded ratepayers who can afford to do so the chance to contribute to a burgeoning renewable energy industry.
Critics contend the voluntary program is little more than a token . . .
