Gadgetopia

New farm seen as model for future of wind energy: Here’s a positive story on wind power and a new wind farm in California.

The 90 turbines at High Winds can generate 162 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 75,000 homes, according to Florida-based FPL Energy, which owns and operates High Winds along with 30 other wind facilities in 10 states.

Seventy-five thousand homes from 90 turbines? So one turbine could power…833 homes. I know a lot of small towns around South Dakota that could benefit from just one turbine. Think about it — one turbine per small town. Energy problems solved.

I’ve always wanted to have a windmill powering my house. I’m not an Earth muffin or a tree-hugger or anything, but I just think it’d be cool to be self-sufficient like that. Throw in a fresh-water well and a satellite dish with broadband, and you’d be set.