Learn the truth about the myths surrounding wind projects and get the answers to wind frequently asked questions.
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY WIND POWER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why Is The Project Being Developed?
Why This Location?
Why Not Palm Springs of Techachapi Which Already Have Wind Energy Development?
How Much Engery Will The Granite Wind Energy Project Supply?
Where Will The Electricity From The Granite Wind Energy Project Go?
How Much Wind Is There At Granite Mountain?
What Is Wind Energy?
Why San Bernardino?
What Is A Wind Farm?
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Wind Farm?
What Are Wind Turbines?
How Do Wind Turbines Work?
How Much Energy Can Wind Supply?
Where Does The Electricity From The Wind Projects Go?
What If The Wind Doesn’t Blow?
What Is The Cost Of Wind Energy?
Will A Wind Farm Affect My Property Value?
Do Wind Farms Make Noise?
Does Wind Energy Impact The Environment?
What Environmental Studies Are Conducted In Advance Of Permitting And Construction?
What Will Happen To Local Wildlife Populations?
Can Wind Energy Help America Become Energy Independent?
How Can I Get Involved With Wind Energy? I Have Questions Or Comments About The Project, Who Should I Contact To Make Sure That My Comments Are Heard?
Why Is The Project Being Developed?
The Granite Wind Energy Project is being developed to meet both growing demand for energy in the region and to meet California Renewable Energy State mandates, global warming and greenhouse gas emissions legislation.
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Why This Location?
The Granite Mountains have a strong wind resource, which has been measured over the last three (3) years. The Project site is also located near to transmission lines, near to the end customers for the energy (rather than transmitting energy many miles from remote areas), and is not a wilderness area, an area used for military operations or critical habitat. There are only a limited number of sites which meet all of these criteria.
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Why Not Palm Springs or Techachapi Which Already Have Wind Energy Development?
In order to meet the California Renewables Portfolio Standard by 2010, approximately 3,500 MW of wind and solar need to be built and placed into operation in the next 3 years. In order to meet the standard of 33% by 2020, a further 7,000 MW would need to be built between 2011-2020
The wind resource at Palm Springs is fully developed and much of Tehachapi is under development. Therefore, other renewable energy areas will need to be developed in California, unless projects are to be built out of state. By locating the Project in California and in San Bernardino County rather than out of State, the economic and environmental benefits can accrue to California and to San Bernardino County.
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How Much Energy Will The Granite Wind Energy Project Supply?
The Granite Wind Energy Project will provide enough electricity for the residential electric needs of approximately 70,000 people each year – or enough for a town the size of Apple Valley. Each 2.3 MW wind turbine will produce enough electricity each year for approximately 2,683 people.
At any one time, 1 MW is enough electricity to supply 650 average homes in Southern California Edison’s service territory
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Where Will The Electricity From The Granite Wind Energy Project Go?
The Project has entered into a long-term power purchase and sales agreement with Southern California Edison, under which Southern California Edison (SCE) will purchase the electricity from the Project for a period of 20 years.
Southern California Edison is the local electricity supplier for Apple Valley and Lucerne Valley. The electricity produced by the Project will go into the local grid and will be enough to supply the domestic electricity needs of approximately 70,000 people each year – or a town the size of Apple Valley.
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How Much Wind Is There At Granite Mountain?
Sierra Renewables has been measuring the wind at Granite Mountain for the last three (3) years. The wind measurements show that Granite Mountain is one of the best new wind sites in California. The wind blows predominantly from the west and blows the strongest in the late afternoon each day, which is when electricity demand is at its highest.
By developing wind energy projects on the sites with the strongest wind resource, electricity can be produced more cost effectively for consumers and more electricity can be produced with fewer projects.
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Wind Energy, Sometimes Called Wind Power, Is Power Derived From Wind. Wind energy is used to generate electricity or mechanical power.
- Wind Energy Is A Form Of Renewable Energy. It is a converted form of solar energy. The sun's radiation heats different parts of the earth at different rates. In addition, different surfaces (for example, water and land) absorb or reflect solar energy different rates. This in turn causes portions of the atmosphere to warm differently. Hot air rises, reducing the atmospheric pressure at the earth's surface, and cooler air is drawn in to replace it. The result is wind. (American Wind Energy Association Website, www.awea.org, Accessed 8/29/07)
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Why San Bernardino County?
San Bernardino County Has Many Important Characteristics Needed To Develop And Maintain Wind Facilities. Critical factors for a wind project include reliable wind, a topography which is conducive to wind farm construction, and existing transmission lines. The Project is being constructed on Bureau of Land Management and private land. This area is a high wind location in an area where energy use has increased as the population has grown rapidly over the last few years.
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What Is A Wind Farm?
Wind Farms, Also Known As Wind Energy Plants, Are Power Plants Comprised Of Multiple Wind Turbines. The power collected at wind farms is fed into an existing electricity grid where it is combined with electricity from other power plants and delivered to utility customers. Wind farms generate income for The Bureau of Land Management, farmers, ranchers, and local landowners. Other land uses can continue undisturbed.
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The Total Cost Of Developing And Constructing A Wind Farm Is Approximately $2.1 Million Per MW or more.
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What Are Wind Turbines?
Wind Turbines Generate Electricity For Homes And Businesses And For Sale To Utilities. The main components of a wind turbine consist of a tower, three propeller-like blades, a rotor, a shaft, and a generator. Read “How Do Wind Turbines Work?” to see how these parts work together to create electricity.
- What Is A Wind Turbine Made Of? The towers are usually made of steel and the blades are made of fiberglass-reinforced polyester or wood-epoxy. (American Wind Energy Association Website, www.awea.org, Accessed 8/29/07)
- How Big Is A Wind Turbine? Depending on the turbines available at the time of construction, the turbine/tower combination may be as high as 420 feet in height. Newer, larger turbines not only allow for increased efficiency but the blades move more slowly and reduce possible impacts on raptors and other birds.
- Why Are Wind Turbines So Tall? Wind turbines are mounted on a tower to capture the most energy. At 100 feet or more above ground, they can take advantage of faster and less turbulent wind. (U.S. Department Of Energy, “How Wind Turbines Work,” www1.eere.energy.gov, Accessed 8/29/07)
Take A Look Inside A Wind Turbine To See The Various Parts. (U.S. Department Of Energy, “How Wind Turbines Work,” www1.eere.energy.gov, Accessed 8/29/07)
How Are Wind Turbines Sited? Wind measurement devices called anemometers are placed in areas where frequent and consistent winds are suspected. Together with wind vanes, anemometers measure wind speed, direction and seasonal fluctuation. Data from anemometers is interpreted by specialists and an indicative turbine layout is prepared. Turbine layouts often are modified to accommodate landforms, property line setbacks, construction restrictions and environmental restrictions.
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How Do Wind Turbines Work?
To Generate Electricity A Wind Turbine Performs Three Key Steps: 1. Energy from the wind turns the turbine’s blades around a rotor. 2. The rotor spins a shaft. 3. The shaft spins a generator to create electricity.
- The Concept Behind Wind Energy Is Similar To That Of Hydroelectric Electricity. Turbines are placed in currents of wind, as the wind currents pass the turbine blades, the rotors are turned and electricity is generated.
How Is The Electricity From The Turbines Fed To The Existing Transmission Lines? Electricity is gathered from each turbine and conveyed by a common underground cable to substations, where the voltage is then increased to the level of existing transmission lines. A three-phase overhead line from each substation would then convey the electricity to the interconnect points of the existing transmission lines, along steel or double wood poles, topped by anti-perching triangles and surge arrestor caps.
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How Much Energy Can Wind Supply?
A Modern Wind Turbine Can Power Roughly 800 Homes At Wind Speeds As Low As Eight Miles Per Hour. Modern wind generation turbines are complex machines, each generating about 1.5 – 3 megawatts of electricity – enough to power approximately 800 homes at wind speeds as low as 8 miles per hour. Turbines are designed to work independently, so if one fails in any way, the others continue operating.
Wind Energy Is Poised To Be A Significant Part Of America’s Diverse Energy Portfolio. Wind is clean and plentiful. Experts estimate that wind energy could easily produce more than 20 percent of our nation’s electricity supply by 2020.
- The U.S. Department of Energy Estimates America’s Wind Energy Potential To Be Much Greater Than Total U.S. Electricity Consumption Today. Tapping only a fraction of that potential would provide a significant part of America’s electricity supply. In the United States, wind energy currently produces approximately 17 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, equivalent to powering the average consumption of roughly 1.6 million American homes year-round. (U.S. Department Of Energy, www1.eere.energy.gov, Accessed 8/29/07)
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Where Does The Electricity From The Wind Projects Go?
The Energy That Is Generated At The Wind Projects Is Sold To Local Utilities And Is In Turn Delivered To Local Utility Customers. The Project will sell to Southern California Edison with a 20 year fixed price contract earned by competitive solicitation.
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What If The Wind Doesn’t Blow?
When The Wind Isn’t Blowing Strong Enough To Turn The Turbines That Generate Electricity, Your Electricity Will Still Work In The Usual Way. Electricity grids and the various sources of generating facilities that supply them are designed to cope with peaks and valleys in the demand for power. This planning and system redundancies includes backup sources of power to ensure electricity is there when people need it.
- Wind Energy Outputs Can Be Predicted Quite Accurately Hours In Advance And The Variations Are Smoother Than In Conventional Generation, Making It Easier For The System Operator To Manage Changes In Supply
Wind Energy Is An Efficient Way To Generate Electricity. Using a free and infinite source of fuel to generate electricity – the wind – is about as efficient as you can get. The technology is efficient too – modern wind turbines are operational 70 percent to 85 percent of the time, and generate, on average, up to 35 percent of the theoretical maximum output over a year’s time. This is known as a load or capacity factor. The exact figure is dependent on the location, technology, size, turbine reliability and wind conditions, of course. By comparison, the load factor of conventional power plant is on average about 50 percent.
The Wind You Feel On The Ground Is Not The Same As The Wind At The Top Of A Turbine. Wind is slowed by friction as it hits the ground and vegetation, but the power of wind can be five times greater at the blade tip on a large modern wind turbine. (American Wind Energy Association, “Wind Power Today,” www.awea.org, Accessed 8/29/07)
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What Is The Cost Of Wind Energy?
The Cost Of Generating Electricity From The Project Will Be Similar To The Cost Of Generating Electricity From A New Natural-Gas Fired Electric Facility.
Wind Energy Reduces The Demand For Natural Gas Resulting In Lower Electricity Prices Over Time. According to studies by the American Wind Energy Association electricity generated from wind energy reduces the demand for natural gas by several million cubic feet per day. This in turn reduces the marginal price for natural gas for all consumers.
The power purchase and sales agreement for the Granite Wind Energy Project was entered into as a result of a competitive solicitation by SCE, which ensures that the renewable projects with the “least cost and best fit” are selected.
The price of electricity from the Project is fixed for the 20 year term of the power purchase and sales agreement. Unlike electricity produced by fossil fuels, the price of electricity produced by the Project will stay the same each year and will not increase during the 20 year term of the agreement.
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Will A Wind Farm Affect My Property Value?
Properties Near Washington State Wind Projects Have Increased In Value. An informal study was undertaken on two farms in the state of Washington directly adjacent to a wind farm that was constructed in 2004. Both properties have manufactured homes, outbuildings, and a barn. Sales were documented prior to construction of the wind farm and after the farm was operational. In both cases, the value of the property increased.
- First Property Increased 19% Between 2004 (Prior To Wind Farm Construction) And 2007 (After Wind Farm Construction). (Columbia County Assessor’s Office)
- Second Property Increased 22% Between 2001 (Prior To Wind Farm Construction) And 2007 (After Wind Farm Construction). (Columbia County Assessor’s Office)
Studies Have Shown That The Typical Impact On The Value Of Land And Tourism Near Wind Farms Is Positive. A study conducted by ECONorthwest on the impacts of wind energy development in Kittitas County found that in five counties there were no negative impacts on property values for lands adjacent to or within view of wind energy projects. (“Economic Impacts Of Wind Power In Kittitas County,” ECONorthwest, 11/02)
A Study Commissioned By The U.S. Government Found No Evidence Showing That Wind Farms Negatively Impact House Prices. A study conducted by the Renewable Energy Policy Project (REPP) indicated no change in property values of 25,000 homes within a five-mile radius of various wind farms – other than a small increase, likely due to a general increase in overall property prices. (George Sterzinger, Fredric Beck, Damian Kostiuk, “The Effect Of Wind Development On Local Property Values,” Renewable Energy Policy Project, www.repp.org, 5/03, Accessed 8/31/07)
- In Fact, The Report Noted Many “Property Values Actually Rose More Quickly In The View Shed [Of Major Wind Developments] Than They Did In The Comparable Community.” “If property values had been harmed by being within the view-shed of major wind developments, then we expected that to be shown in a majority of the projects analyzed. Instead, to the contrary, we found that for the great majority of projects the property values actually rose more quickly in the view shed than they did in the comparable community. Moreover, values increased faster in the view shed after the projects came on-line than they did before. Finally, after projects came on-line, values increased faster in the view shed than they did in the comparable community. In all, we analyzed ten projects in three cases; we looked at thirty individual analyses and found that in twenty-six of those, property values in the affected view shed performed better than the alternative.” (George Sterzinger, Fredric Beck, Damian Kostiuk, “The Effect Of Wind Development On Local Property Values,” Renewable Energy Policy Project, www.repp.org, 5/03, Accessed 8/31/07)
Sierra Renewables Is Committed To Developing Projects That Will Have Minimal Impact On Local Residents. The development of wind farms as a component of a sustainable energy supply strategy must go hand in hand with sensitive environmental design and planning – and that includes sensitivity to properties we purchase or lease, as well as land adjacent to our facilities. No energy technology is without its effect on the environment, but Sierra Renewables strives to develop projects that, as much as possible, have minimal impacts on local residents and the surrounding countryside, as well as the wider environment.
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Do Wind Farms Make Noise?
You can stand right underneath the blades and still hold a conversation without raising your voice. This project will meet all of the requirements of the San Bernardino County Development Code with respect to noise.
A noise study has been completed for the Project. The maximum noise at the nearest home approximately 1.3 miles upwind of the nearest wind turbine will be less than 38.6 dBA under the worst case conditions, which is when the wind blows from the east (less than 30% of the time) and if measured at second floor level (for single storey homes, the noise will be up to 2 dBA lower than this).
San Bernardino County General Plan noise limits are 55 dBA at the nearest home between the hours of 7am and 10pm, and 45dBA between the hours of 10pm and 7am.
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Does Wind Energy Impact The Environment?
Wind Energy Is A Clean And Environmentally Friendly Energy Source.
- Wind energy produces clean, renewable electricity without emitting pollutants into our air or creating hazardous wastes.
- Wind energy, unlike other sources of energy, requires no mining, drilling, or transportation of fuel, and no disposal of radioactive or other hazardous or polluting waste.
- Wind energy helps preserve open space, conserves water and poses no threats to our national security.
Compare Wind’s Environmental Impact to Other Sources of Energy:
(American Wind Energy Association Website, www.awea.org, Accessed 8/30/07)
The Project will result in the savings of: 65,733 tons CO2/year, 49 tons SO2/year and 82 tons NOX/year compared with the same amount of electricity produced by the mix of other generating resources in the area.
The Project will generate the same amount of electricity every year as 280,000 barrels of oil or 85,988 tons of coal (8,599 10-ton coal trucks)
The Project Will Not Use Water to Generate Electricity
The Project will result in the savings of 43,200,000 gallons of water compared with the same amount of electricity produced by the mix of other generating resources in the area.
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A Joint EIS/EIR under NEPA and CEQA. A Joint EIS/EIR (Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report) will be prepared for the Bureau of Land Management and San Bernardino County to comply with NEPA and CEQA (the National Environmental Policy Act and the California Environmental Policy Act).
What Environmental Studies Have Already Been Completed?
Avian surveys have been taking place on and around the site for the last eighteen (18) months. These include regular point count surveys every two (2) weeks, fall and spring migration surveys and raptor nesting surveys.
A Nexrad radar study has been completed using the Nexrad radar database at Edwards Airforce Base to determine night-time avian migration for the five-year period January 2002 – December, 2006.
Desert tortoise surveys were completed last spring (2006).
General wildlife surveys have been completed on site in conjunction with the regular avian point count surveys.
A cultural records search has been completed.
Next steps are to complete plant surveys, bat surveys, supplement the Desert Tortoise survey completed last year for the Johnson Road access, continue with the second year of spring avian migration and raptor nesting surveys and conduct an on-site cultural survey.
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What Will Happen To Local Wildlife Populations?
Wind Energy Is Compatible With Animals And Humans. Wind does have minor wildlife impacts, but they are small compared to other electric generation choices. (American Wind Energy Association Website, www.awea.org, Accessed 8/30/07)
The Wind Energy Industry’s Efforts To Reduce The Impact Of Wind Turbines On Birds Have Been Very Successful – Wind Turbines And Birds Can And Do Coexist Successfully. The modern wind turbine is far less harmful to birds than are radio towers, tall buildings, airplanes and vehicles and numerous other manmade objects. A reasonable, conservative estimate is that of every 10,000 human-related bird deaths in the U.S. today, wind plants cause less than one. Even if wind were used to generate 100% of U.S. electricity needs, at the current rate of bird kills, wind would account for only one of every 250 human-related bird deaths. Individual bird deaths due to wind development will never be more than a very small fraction of those caused by other commonly accepted human activities and structures--house cats kill an estimated 1 billion birds annually in the U.S. alone, buildings 100 million to 1 billion, automobiles 60-80 million, power lines hundreds of thousands to as many as 175 million, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and other sources. (American Wind Energy Association Website, www.awea.org, Accessed 8/30/07) As responsible wind developers and constructors, we have learned from previous projects to avoid the same impact on surrounding wildlife. Granite Wind has undergone significant wildlife studies.
- The Wind Industry Welcomes Scrutiny Of, And Comparison With, All Of The Impacts Of All Sources Of Power Generation. Many extensive studies of bird collisions at wind farms have been carried out, a practice that contrasts greatly with the lack of a systematic effort to monitor direct impacts on avian species from mining and drilling, power plant emissions or pollution, or habitat loss brought on by these activities. Any public or private research effort, regulatory effort, or legislative proposal designed to quantify the impact of power generation on birds, bats, and other wildlife should encompass all power sources, not just wind. (American Wind Energy Association Website, www.awea.org, Accessed 8/30/07)
Sierra Renewables Is Committed To Wildlife Protection. The wind industry has demonstrated continual innovations leading to greater protection of the environment and wildlife.
- Sierra Renewables Conducts Pre-Construction Wildlife Surveys. Intensive bird use studies are conducted in advance of permitting a wind energy project. Potential impacts are mitigated through a variety of ways including assisting state conservation agencies in purchasing off-site habitat lands for preservation.
- Sierra Renewables Continues Wildlife Monitoring Studies During Construction and Operation Of Wind Facilities. During the operation of each project monitoring studies are conducted to determine the actual impact on bird species. This data can be used to determine what sort of mitigation measures may be appropriate if impacts exceed expected values. In addition this data is used in comparative analysis with other wind energy projects across the country to improve technology and minimize impacts to birds and bats.
- Post-Construction, The Wind Industry Monitors Impact On Local Wildlife. (American Wind Energy Association Website, www.awea.org, Accessed 8/30/07)
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Can Wind Energy Help America Become Energy Independent?
Yes, Wind Energy Can Help Make America Energy Independent. Wind energy is produced domestically and the supply is unlimited. Wind energy can help reduce our dependence on imports of oil, natural gas, and other fuels. U.S. winds could generate more electricity in 15 years than all of Saudi Arabia’s oil, and the supply would never be depleted. (Wind Energy Works Website, www.windenergyworks.org, Accessed 8/30/07)
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How Can I Get Involved With Wind Energy? I Have Questions Or Comments About The Project, Who Should I Contact To Make Sure That My Comments Are Heard?
We welcome your comments and questions and want to be good corporate citizens. To have someone contact you about the project or wind energy please sign up here. You can also contact us.
For more information on wind energy please refer to these other resources:
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