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Wind, Green Energies Discussed at Monmouth College
A number of hurdles and obstacles face the future of wind energy in the area. Physics professor Dr. Chris Fasano spoke to residents at the Monmouth Associates Luncheon recently and made the bold prediction of wind energy coming to this area in as soon as one or two years from now.

Fasano admits the future of wind energy in the area faces stiff concerns. He said the main hurdles to overcome are first producing the wind energy, distributing the created electricity, and the storage of unused electricity at any given time.

Fasano tells WGIL obtaining money and start up costs remains as the biggest challenge facing bringing wind energy to Warren County.

"The capital issue is a big deal. I think the uncertainty in the tax and regulatory environment - does a particular tax credit get extended? So, any kind of uncertainty with the taxes or in it's regulations really leads people to hold onto their money which goes back to the capital problem."

The physics professor says everything depends on the grid used to both produce, generate, and deliver the electricity from wind power. He says the grid needs help and hasn't kept up with the demand. Fasano says grids need to be more efficient, more reliable, and have a minimum down time in the event of a power outage.

Other challenges that face bringing wind power to the area include ecosystem disruptions, visual pollution, and how to handle infrastructure costs. Fasano calls these manageable risks and solvable problems.
03 21 09 by Newsroom
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