Wind Energy For The 90s And Beyond

With the growing interest in renewable and environmentally safe energy sources, this new production detailing the history, present standing, and future promise of wind energy in the U.S. is both timely and important. The program opens with a nicely done newsreel spoof "Great Moments in Wind History," beginning with the Vikings' sailings circa 1,000 A.D. and ending with the 4,000 wind turbines currently in operation in Southern California's San Gorgonio Pass. Miles Burnett, from the Desert Wind Energy Association, talks about the success of the "wind farms," and explains the economics behind wind energy. While the economics section is interesting and inspiring (since wind energy is demonstratively cheaper than coal or nuclear energy), the discussion on the internal workings of the wind turbine is a bit more detailed than most people will care for. The program concludes with an interesting interview with Dr. Robert Thresher, from the Solar Energy Research Institute, who cites the advantages of wind energy, the current potentials for wind energy (unquestionably, the whole U.S.), and the future prospects for the use of wind energy elsewhere on the globe. A good addition to environmental collections. Recommended. (See GEMSTONES OF AMERICA for availability.)