LA Times: Terra-Gen gets OK on wind farm in wake of condor decision

[zappaman]

MOJAVE, Calif. — Randy Hoyle strode proudly this week along a wind-swept expanse of sand, sage and juniper in the Tehachapi Mountains that will soon bristle with antennas and listening devices designed to protect endangered California condors.

As Hoyle explained, the forbidding terrain is the future home of Terra-Gen Power's 2,300-acre Alta Windpower Development —and that project will include equipment to detect incoming condors soon enough to switch off the company's massive wind turbines before they slice into one of the birds.

"When it comes to wind energy production, this project is leading the way in condor avoidance," said Hoyle, head of wind and solar development for Terra-Gen.

more at link...
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0525-condor-permit-20130525,0,5676309.story

This is a very good development, IMO.

[Socialistlemur]

1. I think geothermal may be a better long term solution.

I'm starting to think geothermal at be a better long term solution. It doesn't stop delivering power like wind and solar do. We should start drilling wells into hot areas, frac them and ten flow fluids to heat down there and then make vapor for turbines.

[zappaman]

2. That seems plausible.

Is anyone currently testing that?

[hunter]

4. Here's a link to a list of U.S. geothermal plants...

http://geo-energy.org/plants.aspx

California currently has 2565.5 MW of installed capacity, with more under development.

[greytdemocrat]

3. Betya it don't work.

Minced Condor on the menu.

[zappaman]

5. We'll see but at least it's a good step!

[greytdemocrat]

6. You watch...

The other thing that will probably happen is
the avoidance system will shut the generator down
every time a leaf blows by, mark my words!!!!!