Sunday, March 21, 2010

New wind farm problem: Disrupting air defense

I've been writing for quite some time that wind energy is not a panacea for our power needs--at best it will be only a supplement, and a minor one at that.

AP gives us another reason to doubt wind as an energy savior. It could disrupt our air defenses.

A top U.S. general told Congress last week that federal agencies need to work better together on a formal vetting process for the wind projects to prevent them from being built where they will interfere with radar defenses.

Air Force Gen. Gene Renuart, head of U.S. Northern Command, said a number of projects raise "real concerns" involving radar interference, and he suggested that requiring companies to do early checks during the approval process for such obstruction may be needed.

"We've heard concerns that wind turbines may interfere with radar and impact military training routes," said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.). "While we must find new ways to meet our energy security needs, we must not compromise our national security."

Related posts:

Wind farm neighbors not happy

California Collision: Shiloh Wind Farm

That '70s Show is in reruns--thanks to Obama

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