T. Boone Pickens Says Peak Oil Reached, Plans World’s Largest Wind Farm
When one of Texas’s richest oil men bets big on wind energy, it gets attention. Yesterday NPR’s Living on Earth broadcast an interview with Mr. Pickens, who shared the salient facts about his planned wind project:
- It will be the largest in the world, he reckons, at 4,000 megawatts
- It will provide enough power for 1,300,000 homes
- It’s a $10 billion dollar project from which he plans a 15%-25% profit
Asked why he is investing in wind now, Pickens replied:
“For a number of years I’ve watched the wind turbines develop — and I feel like it’s time for it. I think that oil has peaked at 85 million barrels in the world. We’ve got to develop other forms of energy — wind, I think solar will be next, and I hope I’m still around to be in the solar deal.” (Pickens is 80 years old.
But what if Congress doesn’t vote to extend the wind Production Tax Credit?
“Well, I think they’ll vote on it. They’ll either do that or they’ll give some kind of carbon credit because, the wind has to be developed in the United States. We’re now importing 72 percent of the oil we use every day. I think everybody can see that we’re gonna break the country if we pay 700 billion dollars a year for, uh, imported oil……I’ve got a good team of people that are knowledgeable in wind energy, and I don’t worry about it. I think it’s a good project, and it’ll do well and we’ll make money. And it’ll help the country.”
I took a look at Pickens’s bio on Wikipedia. He grew up poor but worked hard. He became a geologist in the 50’s, which “were difficult times for the oil industry and petroleum geologists.” He stuck at it and obviously his bet on oil paid off; Pickens is worth $3 billion now. But he’s moving on — to wind. Find out more about this story in the current issue of Fast Company.
T. Boone Pickens on ethanol: Which is Worse: Exporting $1 Billion Per Week or Growing Fuel?
More on Wind Power:
- Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines: The Future of Micro Wind? [w/video]
- The “Unlimited” Potential of American Wind Power: AWEA
- Top Five Micro Wind Turbines
Image credit: www.boonepickens.com
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June 9th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I agree with Pickens that solar will be the next deal to come around. Also, once the technology for solar is there, it will be THE source for our energy needs.
June 17th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
[...] T. Boone Pickens Says Peak Oil Reached, Plans World’s Largest Wind Farm by Carol Guylas [...]
July 1st, 2008 at 10:55 am
[...] Posts: Three Hidden Costs of High Oil Prices T. Boone Pickens Says Peak Oil Reached, Plans World’s Largest Wind Farm The Big Oil Company Scam Tags: economics, OPEC, price bubble Add a comment or question Recommend [...]
July 8th, 2008 at 6:29 am
I understand Mr Pickens is actively involved in several types of alternative energy plans—-Are these all private companies or can a small individual investor purchase stock in his companies—i believe Mr Pickens is right on with his thinking—Now we as individuals in this country need to put the pressure on our elected officials—ANY IDEAS HOW THIS CAN BE DONE—THANK YOU VERY MUCH
July 8th, 2008 at 11:21 am
I agree that Mr. Pickens is on the right track. With twenty eight years in the oil industry as an electrical engineer I have researched alternative energy. I believe that wind offers the best opportunity for a significant contribution to our energy requirements and is the only viable alternative over the short term of the next few years. Capital costs for solar is still prohibitive. Also, since Mr. Pickens just built the stadium at my alma-mater Oklahoma State Univ. I’ve got to ride with the cowboys. Go wind and thank you Mr. Pickens for your insite and contributions.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
No tax credits here!! If the technology can pay for itself in the open market great, otherwise the US taxpayers should not be supporting a scheme that can’t support itself.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Why can’t we have a Manhattan type project to find an alernate energy source. Politicians have been saying we have to change for 30 years or more. Well many of them are still in office and have not had the courage to bite the bullet. Lets not lose hope in the American spirit of can do. Thanks for your leadership in this mattter.
John 17:21
July 8th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
T. Boone is a visionary with a difference. He has the backbone to voice his concerns, and at the same time, offers a solution!
We need a variety of alternative enduring energy solutions that can be scaled to the necessary size to impact on our global emergency. There is no time to waste!
July 8th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
T Boone wants your tax money. Wind energy per kilowatt hour is among the most expensive available. Maintenance is also high (think thousands of small generators each with mechanical parts). The only alternative is nuclear but these usually supplant large coal plants and not NG because NG is used mostly for small plants that help with PEAK usage. Still, safe clean nuclear could provide the basis for a generation of electric cars that WOULD reduce oil usage. Wind? A minor contributor at best and provides no oil relief. Sorry.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Electric power: Coal with 49% of the total electric power produced in the USA costs 5 cents per Kilowatt-Hour, Natural Gas with 20% of electric power produced cost 5.5 cents per Kilowatt-Hour, Nuclear Power with 19% of electric power producted costs 6 cents per Kilowatt-Hour, Wind with a fraction of the USA power produced cost 6.5 cents per Kilowatt-Hour currently, and Solar electric power currently cost 15 cents per Kilowatt-Power
July 8th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Electric power: Coal with 49% of the total electric power produced in the USA costs 5 cents per Kilowatt-Hour, Natural Gas with 20% of electric power produced cost 5.5 cents per Kilowatt-Hour, Nuclear Power with 19% of electric power producted costs 6 cents per Kilowatt-Hour, Wind with a fraction of the USA power produced cost 6.5 cents per Kilowatt-Hour currently, and Solar electric power currently cost 15 cents per Kilowatt-Hour
July 8th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Mr. Pickens, unlike another Texas oil-man, has the intellectual capacity, concern, vision, and wherewethal to help us turn things in the right direction.
This shows that we should not expect our (failed) politicians to lead the way on such critical issues as this…they are just the ones who got us into this mess. It takes true visionaries to assume the role of agents of change. Thank you Mr. Pickens.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
But what will we do in 176,000 years when we run out of wind?!?
Just eat more beans?? We are doomed doomed doomed!!
We need to start raising animals just to kill and bury so our great grandkids will have OIL!!
July 9th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Great idea, but why not put your money where your mouth is. Take your three billion and invest it into wind power. If I had that kind of money and I told everyone that I wanted to help my country, I would do it. Sounds like just another way for a rich man to get richer. I will bet that is the real motivation.
July 9th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Can Mr. Pickens help me start a wild farm?
July 9th, 2008 at 11:47 am
I lived & worked in Europe for 10 years. I was based in Germany and often saw the beautiful wind turbines on the hillsides & mountaintops while on my way to work. And now Germany is the World’s leader in Solar unselfishness. The problem in America is that too much of the decision making power for change is in the hands of GREEDY & SELFISH men & women. The German population has shown that they know they are all in it together for the better or worse; and that the society as a whole is better when all the boats rise together. In America the wealthy seem to believe that it is more profitable to keep some segment of the population down and in poverty. Is this because they need someone to blame for many of societies ills. The philosophy of President Bush and his henchmen and also most other Republicans including their candidate for President is this so called trickle down effect of tax breaks for the rich that will somehow create jobs is nothing but a ruse. Just what kind of jobs? Fast (poisonous) food franchises and the like. Tell me just how a single mother of 3 can provide for her family on $5-7/hr. with no health benefits. It’s laughable how the wealthy think. Do you HAVE’s really believe that you are really superior or somehow more deserving in any way. The wealth any of us receives is a BLESSED gift from God who has Commanded us to remember (care for) the POOR, the WIDOWS & the ORPHANS. I have traveled the entire world and America and Americans are some of the most selfish on this Earth which is such a pity when the only real joy in this life is to be found through GIVING, CARING & SHARING. Last evening I enjoyed hearing the CEO of Morgan Stanley Financial tell a National TV audience on Charley Rose that he thinks it’s only right that the wealthy (the have’s)in this Country pay more in taxes to help lift the boats of the have nots which will make life better for the society as a whole “Lay Up Not Treasures For Yourselves On This Earth.” After all folks they are only THINGS (TOYS) and they like each of you shall all pass away, but your GOOD WORKS shall last forever. In the end all that ever matters is: “Did You GIVE Enough LOVE?
July 9th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
This is a great example of how capitalism is a more efficient driving source for change in our great country then the federal government ever will be! People are looking for some magic solution to all of our energy woes, well there isn’t one answer to this problem, and the technology already exists to reduce our oil dependence!
July 9th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
I commend T. Boone Pickens on developing a green thumb. But lets not forget, the basis of the panhandle project was about water rights, not clean energy. Beware of greek bearing gifts.
July 9th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
His idea is so common it’s become mundane and unoriginal. He has money enough, sure, to invest in a too little too late project like this, but he cannot hitch his wagon to such a simple plan without appearing like a conservative sellout. He’s got a plan but he’s acting like a lobbyist to push it. Reject his last ditch effort to balance his remaining years on earth with this ridiculous scheme that will not be enough soon enough. Solar panel research has been stymied recently due to environmental impact research and wind turbine technology just won’t help enough to impact America as he espouses. He’s not investing in the right technologies that WILL change the world and help sooner rather than later.
July 9th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
We need a Manhattan Project sized thrust toward independent energy and to forgo oil use as a fuel. Comments such as taxpayers should mot pay are paleoconservative trash or a front. This is a national emergency, not taxpayers providing a handout.
July 9th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
We can easily extract all the free EM energy flow from the vacuum that we wish to! Anywhere, anytime! One can easily (for a couple of dollars) make a little gadget that will sit on the bench and freely pour out real Poynting EM energy flow, till the end of time if one just lets it alone and does not let its configuration be disrupted. Here’s how:
Simply place an electret (or a charged capacitor, if you wish) on top of a permanent magnet, so that the E-field of the electret is at right angles to the H-field of the magnet. Then by the standard Poynting energy flow theory in all our EE textbooks in every technical university, that silly gadget will just sit there and pour out real, Poynting energy flow S, given by the simple equation S = E X H.
http://www.cheniere.org/correspondence/060908.htm
July 9th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
If Mr. Pickens is willing to build a wind power farm with his own money why shouldn’t the government build the power lines? They are the only ones who can change the laws to get all states to except the new right of ways; also, why not build a new mass transit system? The transmission lines could be built using super conductivity materials which would cut down on resistance enabling further transmissions of the power and Magnetic trains could follow the transmission lines to take advantage of the magnetic field produced by the electricity!!
Regarding peak power usage and no wind…why can’t the U.S. be the first to build a new power storage facility using leading edge technology using capacitors and batteries? The production of hydrogen on low peak demands and high winds conditions and then reverse the process by producing electricity from the hydrogen during low wind high power demand is one other solution? Producing of algae to convert it into ethanol during high peak low wind conditions could be a solution to cover reserve demand. Third we could store the energy by producing hydrogen which could be used to produce electric during high demand low wind conditions to cover the reserve demand. A company in Arizona is claiming it could produce 75 percent of our needed energy using part of the New Mexican desert in production of Algae to produce a vegetable oil and then convert it into ethanol from the sun. It would affect our food chain regarding corn!!
SO…I think we should be thankful we have Mr. Pickens spending his own money to benefit all mankind and helping to cut hydrocarbons for our grandkids. When all of mankind is going to benefit I think the Feds and the States should pass the laws to make new write away lines and STOP organizations which tries to stop the building of wind farms. Come on are we all stupid thinking that birds can’t see and avoid a LARGE blade? If we do not cut hydrocarbons it may be the end of all animals.
July 10th, 2008 at 5:27 am
L.L.
Do you believe the petroleum industry started out without help from the government?
Do you think the petroleum industry doesn’t get tax credits?
The petroleum industry started out with government aid and is still aided with tax credits.
I want my government representatives to show leadership and help get the country out of the mess we are in.
July 10th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
“Once the technology is there . . .”
Friend, the technology is HERE! Maybe what you meant to say was once it becomes a commodity-priced technology. I am about to power-up a 3.3Kw photovoltaic (PV) solar array on my rooftop here in Southern California. At a cost of some $32,000 (before incentives), it wasn’t cheap by any means, but if all works as planned, including my change to LED-based lighting in and around my home (also not cheap since this is the cutting edge of that, too), our net cost of electricity at today’s rates should be about $10-$20 per month, maybe even less — won’t know until we’ve been up and running for a while.
Pickens is right, the time has come for alternative energy to rule. Of course, he waited until the cost of oil ran up to $135+ per barrel, too. Solar and wind technologies would be much farther ahead of where they are today if Edison could figure out how to put a meter on the sun and wind.
Southern California Edison, by the way, built the largest-ever wind-turbine generator here in the Palm Springs area back in the early 1980s, but the typical daily winds in the area were too strong, and the generator was poorly designed and could not withstand the physical stress. So Edison abandoned wind power as “unfeasable.” Of course, today, in the same area, there are now maybe 2,000 working wind-turbine generators pumping out several hundred Mw daily. All privately funded and operated.
Edison also abandoned its 1980s foray into “solar” generated electricity with it cockamamie “Solar One” installation outside Barstow after a fire in the oil tower in the early 1990s. The design concentrated reflected solar energy on a tower filled with oil that would, in turn, heat water that would become steam, that would spin electricity generating equipment. If that doesn’t sound inefficient, I don’t know what does. And once again, Edison determined that there was no future in “solar” electricity.
As for the comments about the cost of coal-fired, natural gas-fired, and nuclear-powered electrical generating facilities, each of which looks cheap on paper, all come with a host of “side effects,” not the least of which is declining reservoirs of raw materials (coal and gas), and impossible-to-dispose-of waste by-products (nuclear, courtesy of the NIMBY approach to transporting the fission trash from whereever to the Nevada wasteland).
Both PV solar and wind only impact the environment on the manufacturing side and, ultimately (20-30 years down the road), disposal side after the system’s useful life has come to an end. But, then again, the components are generally recyclable, so the net impact is far smaller than any of the “natural resource” alternatives.
I’m not willing to donate money to Pickens’ project. He and his other oil baron cohort have far more than the $10 billion he projects the plan will require. But if he wants to form a forward-thinking energy non-oil corporation and sell me some stock . . . now we’re talking!
July 10th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
I have a question for Mr. Pickens.
I understand he wants so build a wind farm to produce 4000 Mega Watts per year. The largest single wind turbine used by Xcel energy produces 1.567 MW per year.
If I have my facts correct, that would require 2548 wind mills in his wind farm. Just where is the wind farm to be built? Don’t forget NIMBY if this is to be built.
July 10th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Let us not pretend that alternative energy sources will allow us to continue our current level of use, now based on wasteful consumption of fossil fuels. Nuclear will never be clean. Our habits will have to change drastically.
July 10th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Look to see how much land Boone Pickens owns or is buying.The amount of land required for wind and solar will be millions of acres and will only produce a fraction of the total electrical power needed in the future. The only people who will get rich from wind and solar will be the land owners. The loosers will be the tax payers who will have to fund the programs which will operate at a loss for years or for ever.
July 10th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
So now every lifelong resource squandering profiteer is green. Is this “swift boat” financier Pickens, who royally chickened out when his offer of $1 Million to anyone who could prove “a single swift boat lie” was publicly accepted by John Kerry. Am I the only one that thinks this jackass has produced plenty of wind already?
July 11th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
I hope the ‘Can’t do’s’ won’t sandbag this also. We have no leadership on this issue in Big Gummint. At last someone is picking up the standard. I say, wind, solar, nukes, bio, all of it produced here in the US, creating jobs HERE, keeping the money HERE instead of making our enemies in the middle east rich. America first, and let them eat their oil over there, with a side of sand!
July 12th, 2008 at 9:54 am
It is unclear to me why the Department of Energy is not promoting the development of low head hydropower.We have an abundance of rivers and canals in this country which could provide us with clean and reliable energy from the flow of water.
We have the knowhow and equipment on hand to harvest this low cost and reliable energy form the flow
of water without changes to the environment.
July 12th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
I’m not too hot on the idea of wind power. They are eye sores. I live in Vegas and you see them everywhere near Tecachapi and Livermore, CA. For those of you haven’t seen one, believe me they are outright ugly against our environment. I calculated that to supply 105 million U.S. households would require 53 million windmills throughout the country on about 27 million acres of land. It also has PCB disposal issues and EPA will have to figure that problem out as well. I wrote Mr. Pickens to see if we can build platforms for them in the ocean (bad idea). Remember Senator Kennedy also believes windmills are eyesores and doesn’t want them near his area either. Also have to make sure these windmills are working to their potential because an Indian company is being sued here now for several hundered prototypes that are installed but not meeting the efficiency guarantee. Boone however is thinking outside the box which I give him credit for.
July 13th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Kents comment about the amount of land required for 53 million windmills would be 27 million acres of land. A DOE study estimates there are 11,502,000 arces suitable for wind farms.Wind farms are just a dream and I think Pickins is looking to make money in land he is planing to buy or allready ownes . Maybe his old oil fields fit into his plan.
July 13th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Hello All–If Mark’s production prices are right,
then I agree that the usa should go for wind farms
bigtime. I have sent letters to NH official before
I read Pickens Plan, but my slant was ” Gradual
Total Electrification ” of our economy, on a cost
effective basis. The only problem I see is the
” aesthetics argument “, which I say, it is time to
ignore. Our Oil Crisis is much more important.
July 15th, 2008 at 8:12 am
The problem and solution lie with you and me. We can choose to use energy or not. IF WE DO NOT like the price or it’s source, then use our God given intelligence to find acceptable alternitives. This is the only thing we will have control over.
Let’s not spend our time blaming Big Oil, politicians, or question Pickens motivation.
There is no question that fortunes will be made by those with solutions to the worlds major problems. Let us happily pay and reward those solutions.
The answer lies with you and me.
July 15th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Hello there, I do agree with him 100% on wind power, and solar power, God gave us the sun and the wind free, Why NOT USE IT, it is common sense,and America can save BILLIONS OF $ for other better things to do for AMERICAN PEOPLE and our country to help make our country stronger again.. I think our country needs a great man with a super mind to celar upour growing problems..in /America.
Horrah for Mr Pickens. Bright fellow and I couldn’t agree more. C J HAY
July 15th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Some of the bloggers are saying no to the tax credit, not wanting T. Boone to profit at their expense. Wake up dummies, we need this, and if you hadn’t been alseep for the last decade you would know that T. Boone is also investing a large chunk of HIS money.
Also, run a talley on the gifts T. Boone has given to medical reasearch, universities, etc.. Get the picture yet. Looks to me like something besides greed is at work here.
July 16th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Excellent, it is so wonderful to see someone come up with a plan that is feasible and clean.
I would like to invest in the future of America, where do we sign up.
July 16th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
I just wish more wealthy Americans who owe so much to this country, would step up and combine their resources with Mr. Pickens to make it happen sooner rather than later. How about Mr. Gates or Buffet? If America could retool for WWII in a few short years, why can’t we make this happen sooner rather than later. If there is money to be made by those that take the risk, good for them since it will be good for us too. Crank up some of these idle factories to turn out the turbines!
July 17th, 2008 at 12:43 am
I’d say Mr. Pickens is genuinely concerned about the future of his country, the future of the world he is leaving behind for his children and grandchildren, just like the rest of us. I can’t see it is profits he is after. Let’s face it, the man is 84 years old, he certainly can’t take his money with him after he is dead.
Does anyone remember the initial price of a calculator? Well, they are very cheap today. I am not so worried about someone’s current calculation of 15 cents per Kilowatt-Power.
Why all the criticism? Geez, at least someone is stepping out and showing some leadership. Our nation will never get anywhere if all we do is talk about alternative energy. It’s time to do something about it. “If at first you don’t succeed, try, and try again“, try something different, something new but try something, anything.
I am a white girl. After 9-11, I finally knew what ‘racism’ felt like, I am hated because of who I am, an American. I say it’s time to take back our power and become self-reliant…however we do it!
July 17th, 2008 at 1:19 am
I am incredibly impressed with the simplicity of Mr. Pickens approach to our energy needs. I hope that he will be around long enough to guide the country through the rough times ahead.
July 17th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Wind is a feasible solution to a very serious problem facing our country today and for the future. And if Mr. Pickens or other corporate leaders can profit from it I say go for it. Competition is the great equalizer. What we need is an energy alternative that can compete with oil.
July 17th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Harnessing wind power sounds really nice, but if we were exploiting our own oil reserves this would not be the issue. The enviro Nazi’s will stop this just like they stopped nuclear.
Problem with wind power is it is only generated when the wind blows.
July 17th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I just saw your TV ad on wind-turbin power.
Our country is capable of making these great strides. I believe there are many that share your vision…I wish they had the courage, and capabilities that you do.
I am embarrassed that we don’t prioritize our battles. There are poor, hungry , and destitute people in this world.
I’m not wishing to slight the people in remote world locations…But many who need help ‘can be found in every major city in America’. Apparantly President Bush hasn’t seen them. Or maybe he doesn’t care. I have found his leadership nauseating.
He knew the importance of finding alternative energy and fuels when he took office. More people like yourself, should push-on. I applaude you, and wish you well at every turn.
May God Speed.
Respectfully Yours,
Carol Ann Moxham
July 17th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
I believe the government should put together a think tank (with top scientists) like they did when they funded the Manhattan project. They can come up with a brilliant new solution – probably something we have never even thought of….and if we put our heads and hearts into seriously finding a solution and get the whole nation involved – monetarily, fundraising concerts, walks, stickers, motto’s etc. etc. etc. …if we do this -there is nothing our country can not do!
July 17th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Good ideas but ther is room for improvement (i.e. promote bringing on line immediately cane sugar and switchgrass as a better source for ethanol to provide clean and green non-toxic fuel for the 8 million or so flex fuel vehicals already on our highways with more coming. We nned to promote (require?) distribution comliance and eliminate obstructive red tape. Then focus on battery (solar?) hybrids for future development and promotion.
July 18th, 2008 at 10:52 am
THANK YOU MR. PICKENS FOR PROVIDING LEADERSHIP AND A PLAN!
The president couldn’t or wouldn’t do this because he is on lease to special interests.
An electrical engineer from Detroit.
July 18th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Just so you’ll know, I worked for Husky Oil as chief cost analyst (1977/1980), doing exploratory drilling on the Naval Petroleum reserve in the Alaskan Arctic, so I appreciate, to some degree, what it takes to set up a drilling rig, etc.
Now, my question to you is, why are you allowing British Petroleum to harvest the abundant natural gas in Alaska’s Arctic … and pipe it directly into Canada!!! Husky capped off several natural gas and oil wells 1977/1980 on the Naval Petroleum reserve, so I KNOW it is abundant, eager and ready to harvest. Besides, natural gas does NOT require the costly process of refining; just a peculiar oder. Hopefully it is not a done deal with British Petroleum … please find out.
There is also geothermal energy in remote areas of Alaska. In 1977 getting to it was at issue – I’ve forgotten the location – but as I recall was a considerable field of energy. Besides ‘they and more they’s’ were still, rightfully, basking in the success of the Alaska pipeline – a phenomenal feat to put it mildly.
With the all the new technology perhaps Alaska geothermal energy could become a consideration for development.
July 18th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Large “pockets” of Geothrmal energy is being harvested in Nevada and Utah as we speak.
July 19th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
[...] It
July 20th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Sir, How do we produce energy when the wind doesn’t blow – As well during the night, when winds generally diminish ?
July 20th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Kent is a moron. “I calculated that to supply 105 million U.S. households would require 53 million windmills throughout the country on about 27 million acres of land.”
Oh did you Kent? How brilliant of you. So that’s one windmill (as you call them) per TWO households? They must sure be small wind TURBINES…
Retard.
July 21st, 2008 at 11:45 am
When are you going to start hiring a work staff for this exciting new project
July 21st, 2008 at 6:05 pm
I think this is wonderful.I have been imagining millions of windmills throughout the center of our nation.In the Great lakes,the Gulf,Pacific and Atlantic coasts.( I also imagine huge solar farms in our deserts).
The costs will drop.the more we put up.
I do not consider myself an environmentalist,but I certainly like the idea of cleaner energy sources;I really like the idea of not sending all our money to other nations,many of those that don’t really like us.
I say its about time somebody puts their money where their mouth is.I also do not have a problem with government assistance in this.
Thank You for your vision.
Looking forward to hearing more
Dean DeMarco
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:28 am
Gary N (on July 8th at 3:35pm) is a small minded person that thinks because a wealthy man wants to place himself in the way of the next energy alternative that would be a way to get “our” tax money. Well I think that if the man wants to keep 700 billion of our money in this country and not to terror supporting countries I will vote to keep this country strong any time and if people like you who think that we should keep relying on foreign countries to supply our energy needs then you are gravely mistaken. I don’t see your name on the Forbes top 500 of the world’s richest people Gary. So maybe you should crawl back in the hole you came out of and stop writing on blogs.
July 30th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
[...] major developments in US wind energy development: the well-publicized T. Boone Pickens push for a 4,000 MW wind farm and associated grid infrastructure in Texas, and the recent approval of a 909 megawatt wind farm in [...]
August 3rd, 2008 at 6:46 am
[...] T. Boone Pickens Says Peak Oil Reached, Plans World’s Biggest Wind Farm [...]
August 6th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
We have a two-fold plan to end U.S. dependence on fossil fuels.This plan consists of a dual system: The Interim System, and The Permanent System. The Interim System will keep the country running at an estimated .99-$1.30 in fuel costs. This initial step will yield gasoline and diesel fuels for any residual use during the interim. The Permanent System will consist of a new motor which will enable the country to realize a 90% drop in fuel cost, while generating the same amount of power. For example, once this system is in place, a family of four will be able to travel from New York City to Los Angeles,California for approximately 15%. This plan will utilize 100% American resources. The concept fundamental to the plan totally excludes the use of batteries, solar and wind power, as well as geo-thermal sources. There will therefore be no depletion of corn crops; nor will hydrogen be employed. The central idea to this System is completely new and uniquely fitted to our current situation.
August 12th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Why do you talk about the near term needs ffor USA to dtill for oil on MSBC and then make your wind farm plan sound like the real solution for our energy needs?
drilling for oil and gas has a 100% chance of success and provides the needs for all the other products that come from oil.
Please support drilling in your plan.
Wind and solar may take years and will not eliminate the need for oil and gas
August 15th, 2008 at 6:49 am
DEAR MR. PICKENS,
YOU HAD SPOKEN ABOUT WANTING TO HELP THE CITIZENS OF THE USA LEAD A BETTER LIFE. MAY I GIVE YOU AN IDEA TO HELP CREATE JOBS?
HERE IN GEORGIA WE HAVE KUDZU GROWING EVERYWHERE IT CAN. IT IS A LEAFY PLANT THAT GROWS LIKE A VINE
COVERING THE TREES BY GROWING AROUND THE TRUNK FROM BOTTOM ROOT TO TH E TOP LEAF. IT MAKES OUR LANDSCAPES LOOK
LIKE SOMETHING FROM A SCARY MOVIE.
THIS STRANGE PLANT CAN BE USEFUL IN SEVERAL WAYS AND IS TODAY BEING MADE INTO JELLY AND OTHER USEFUL ITEMS.
IT CAN ALSO BE USED TO MAKE SOME SORT OF ALTERNATIVE FUEL FOR AUTOS. IN JANUARY 2006 (?) PRESIDENT BUSH SIGNED
A DESIGNATED PAPER TO START THE BALL ROLLING ON THE KUDZU RESEARCH. HAVE YOU HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT THAT RESEARCH?
NEITHER HAVE I.
THIS PLANT IS VERY HARD TO KILL, IT IS EXTREMELY HARD TO CUT OUT OF THE GROUND, AND WOULD TAKE A FEW PEOPLE
TO ACCOMPLISH THAT TASK; AND ALTHOUGH IT BECOMES DORMANT IN THE COLD WEATHER, IT APPEARS AGAIN IN THE W ARMER
SEASONS. IT IS VERY HARD TO KILL. IN FACT, YOU CAN’T KILL IT. WHICH IS WHY I AM WRITING.ABOUT THIS PRODUCT.
KUDZU IS HERE IN THE US AND GROWING RAPIDLY NORTH FROM THE SOUTHERN STATES INTO THE CENTRAL STATES. IT DOES NOTHING FOR THE LANDSCAPES.. IT KILLS THE TREES, CHANGES OUR ATMOSPHERIC CHAIN, AND LOOKS LIKE IT IS HERE TO STAY. THIS GOD-GIVEN PLANT CAN HELP US WITH OUR NEED FOR JOBS, MAKING ALTERNATIVE FUEL, AS WELL AS SHOWING US THE WAY TO MAKE SOUPS AND OTHER FOODS WITH KUDZU.
TODAY PEOPLE NEED JOBS, THINK OF HOW MANY PEOPLE WOULD BE PUT TO WORK IF THEY WERE ON A PATROL TO CUT THE KUDZU AND PACK IT INTO CONTAINERS FOR FUTURE MANUFACTURING INTO THE FUEL FOR OUR AUTOS. BUILD THE NECESSARY
FACTORY, MR.. PICKENS AND LET’S GET STARTED CONTROLLING OUR COUNTRY’S NATURAL WEALTH FOR OUR PEOPLE AND THE NEXT GENERATIONS TO COME.
THIS WOULD TAKE ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A SIMILAR OPERATION CALLED THE WPA (?) FROM PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT’S WATCH IN THE 1940′S. PUTTING PEOPLE TO WORK AND KEEPING OUR FUEL PURCHASES IN OUR OWN COUNTRY IS AT THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE AT THIS TIME IN HISTORY, DON”T YOU AGREE, MR. PICKENS?
THANK YOU FOR READING THIS.
BARBARA HURD
KENNESAW, GEORGIA
September 8th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
@ Gary N,
Isn’t nuclear much more of the burden on the tax payer? Think Nuclear Regulatory Commission & Yucca Mountain. How much benefit has the taxpayer gotten from those institutions? I’m pretty sure building a wind farm assumes you are going to have a certain amount of turbines out of commision for routine/emergency maintenance. Also, if the turbines have magnetic bearings, their won’t be as much maintenance. Also, do you remember who we have to buy uranium from?
July 29th, 2009 at 3:51 am
They say market speculators caused oil prices to increase starting in late 2006. They ended up around here around 4 dollars a gallon. I wonder who could have been behind that deal. Got any ideas about that Boone?