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Gulf Power Turning To Oklahoma Wind For Power
February 12, 2015
Gulf Power Company is turning to the Oklahoma wind as a power source for Northwest Florida.
Wednesday, Gulf Power filed a petition asking the Florida Public Service Commission to approve an agreement that would make the utility a leading purchaser of wind generation among Florida utilities. The agreement would be the first of its kind in the state.
The project, called Kingfisher Wind, would be sited in Piedmont, OK, where conditions are favorable for wind energy.
“Kingfisher Wind will help Gulf Power add renewable generation that makes environmental and economic sense,” said Jeff Rogers, Corporate Communications manager. “Smart renewables, like Kingfisher Wind, are cost-effective for customers.”
With FPSC approval, the projected commercial operation date of Kingfisher Wind would be by December 31. The project includes 89 wind turbines and could supply 180 megawatts — enough energy to power approximately 50,700 homes per year.
“Kingfisher Wind, if approved, would represent approximately 5 percent of our projected energy mix,” said Rogers. “Wind power helps diversify the power supply and Kingfisher Wind is projected to provide lower overall energy costs.”
This wind project would be Gulf Power’s fifth renewable energy project following the Perdido Landfill Gas-to-Energy Facility, which has produced more than 100 million kilowatt hours of electricity since 2010, and three solar energy projects that will begin construction in February 2016 if approved by the FPSC.
Gulf Power announced in January that the utility is partnering with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force to build solar energy farms at three different facilities across Northwest Florida.
If approved by the FPSC, the solar energy farms will be constructed at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach (30 megawatts), Holley Field in Navarre (40 megawatts) and Saufley Field in Pensacola (50 megawatts) and could be in service as early as December 2016.
“Adding alternative energy facilities to our energy portfolio mix takes a large amount of careful planning to ensure we provide our customers with what they want and need — renewable energy that diversifies our power supply while remaining cost-effective,” Rogers said.
Pictured: Turbines representative of the type that will be constructed for the Kingfisher Wind project if approved by the FPSC. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
10 Responses to “Gulf Power Turning To Oklahoma Wind For Power”
Wind and solar power were never meant to replace fuel like nuclear nature gas coal for energy production but to supplement it until nuclear fusion is a reality in about 10 to20 years from now. If we can offset and reduce our co2 output by about 2/3 the planet can scrub the co2 naturally
To have a working power grid you need to be able to meet 100% of the demand 100% of the rime. There are only a few things that can do that; coal with piles stacked on the ground, gas hooked to a manifold of wells or with a large gas storage very close by; Hydro-power on a river system with multiple power generating dams; or some fraction of several nuclear power plants so some can be down for refueling.
Wind, solar, and other part time power plats can be used to shave the Peak Power Use and to reduce the use of more polluting power sources. This trims the cost we pay for electricity that’s billed on Peak Use and puts less carbon in the air.
Building more nuclear power under realistic regulations would make cleaner cheaper power much sooner. but it doesn’t fit the green narrative.
Technology is wonderful. Imaginations come from above, with ideas the seeds waiting to be planted. Hard work and determination are in the fabric of American Soil. We, the people, benefit, reaping the energy others have left behind to gather in our homes.
What is on the horizon, only God knows.
Thank you Wind Energy, and all you how worked to make it happen.
Thank you.
REGARDING:
“Good idea on the solar farms, clean and free resource.”
Sunlight is free, but devices to convert it into electrical power have costs, weaknesses and lifetimes.
One source calls solar about $4.97 per watt installed cost in the USA, wind turbines about $2.00 per watt installed. Of course, solar doesn’t work in the dark and doesn’t produce much near sunrise or sunset or when cloudy, and turbines don’t work when the wind isn’t blowing.
How long each lasts before needing to be replaced counts. Damage due to hail, hurricane, birds, pollen, terrorists, kids with spray paint, thieves is uncertain
Solar power satelites are worth considering. Sunshine nearly all the time. Something like 90% transmission efficiency anywhere on earth. Solar storms and micrometeorites, but no lightning and hail. Safe from all but the most determined vandals. Department of Energy study back during the Carter Administration estimated a cost equivalent to that of coal fired power without fuel costs. Didn’t consider materials produced on the moon and lower lifting expenses.
Regrettably, the microwaves wouldn’t be strong enough to pop popcorn on the day to earth, though.
David for nuclear
Oklahoma’s over 800 miles away….that’s a lot of extension cords.
Will the power actually be transmitted to here, or is there some kind of swap between companies that happens? I just don’t understand how this power grid thing works.
We should be building those off of our coast. They make parts of wind turbines in Pensacola for export, and I’d rather have those off our beaches than oil rigs. Plus, they’d provide marine habitat, just like oil rigs do, without the risk of a catastrophic failure poisoning all the marine life it attracts.
However, the PSC ruling does not mean the plans were scrapped.
GP just can’t get the money from customers for it in advance.
But is not that what current profits are for?
Instead of making every quarter look good to investors with more/higher dividends?
>>>Is there any update on Gulf Power’s plan for a nuclear power plant in north Escambia County area?
Looking back at our story archive, we reported in 2012 that the plans were done after the PSC ruled that Gulf Power could not make customers pay for the plant in advance of construction.
Good idea on the solar farms, clean and free resource.
Is there any update on Gulf Power’s plan for a nuclear power plant in north Escambia County area?
GP has purchased a great number of acres of property for that plant but not much talk on it lately.
Have they considered the underwater turbines such as the ones Norway uses? Bet they would work here too.