Recycling Green Energy

U.S. Farmers to Benefit from “Ultimate Recycling Project”

These smaller wind turbines in CA will be refurbished and offered for sale to U.S. farms and other commercial facilities. Photo courtesy of Aeronautica Windpower

More than 10,000 wind turbines being retired from a wind farm in California will be refurbished and offered for sale to U.S. farmers and other on-site commercial and industrial sites around the country in what Aeronautica Windpower of Plymouth, MA is calling the “ultimate recycling project.”

Larger wind machines are replacing the “mid-scale” 65- and 100-kilowatt turbines acquired by the wind facility during the last 20 years, and Aeronautica will rebuild the older models with newer technologies and upgrades.There are more than 2.6 million farms in the United States, which provide Aeronautica an ample market for turbines that combined can produce an electrical output comparable to at least two nuclear power plants without the regulatory or waste disposal issues associated with atomic facilities.

When farmers purchase the machines with Aeronautica’s five-year warranty option, the acquisition qualifies for USDA renewable energy grants.  The company says the renewed turbines will likely operate for at least another 20 years, and it’s possible to upgrade them again at the end of that service period.

The windmills will receive electronic upgrades that track operating efficiency and issue service reports owners can access through the Internet.

The U.S. wind industry is experiencing explosive growth that many credit with relatively few restrictions and the simplicity of installing a technology that’s hundreds of years old. 

Global wind power installations rose 27 percent in 2007 to total more than 94,100 megawatts (MW).  Germany produces the most wind-powered electricity with 22,247 MW, the U.S. is second with 16,818 MW and Spain is third with 15,145 MW.

China is aggressively pursuing wind power and places fifth in worldwide wind power production at 6,050 MW.  That number is somewhat misleading however, because approximately one-fourth of China’s total wind power capacity remains unconnected because of planning problems. 

Thanks to Worldwatch Institute for contributing to this report.