Kelsey Grammer blew 6 figures investing in windmills

[SouthernListen]

The French are actually considering reversing course on nuclear power. There was recently an extensive study done that concluded nuclear power plants nearly never recover their cost in output.

vs. what? Coal, natural gas, oil, hydroelectric? Natural gas prices are currently very depressed due to the surplus so in the short run that isn't surprising. But good luck transporting that much natural gas in liquid form to France.

All utilities not run by the state recover all their costs, plus profits. Their rates are set by utility commissions that are basically cost-plus.

All these "studies" by all sides are toilet paper-worthy as they are usually comissioned by those with vested interests in the conclusion. Telling your employer they're all wet usually doesn't result in much repeat business.

[Anyonenow]

Warren Buffett’s Utility to Invest $2 Billion on Solar

Petra Gonsalves

Warren Buffett's MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. agreed to spend as much as $2.5 billion to build two solar projects in California that are set to be the world's largest photovoltaic development.
MidAmerican acquired the Antelope Valley projects in Kern and Los Angeles counties, with a combined generation capacity of 579 megawatts, from SunPower Corp., the companies said today in a statement. San Jose, California-based SunPower will operate and maintain the development via a multiyear services agreement.
Buffett has been increasing investments in wind and solar farms and last year formed a MidAmerican unit to support the projects it’s acquired, including the $2.4 billion 550-megawatt Topaz solar farm in California. Chief Financial Officer Patrick Goodman said in November that it’s favoring bets on renewable energy amid high utility valuations. California is the biggest U.S. solar market.
MidAmerican will pay $2 billion to $2.5 billion to develop the Antelope Valley project, SunPower said in a filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission today. Construction is due to begin this quarter, with completion by the end of 2015.
“Together, the two combined projects will form the largest permitted solar photovoltaic power development in the world and will create an estimated 650 jobs during construction,” the companies said. They’ll provide energy to Edison International under two long-term power-purchase contracts.
MidAmerican Renewables, a subsidiary of MidAmerican Energy, has more than 1,830 megawatts of assets, including wind power, geothermal, solar and hydro, according to today’s statement. MidAmerican is owned by Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

[ohmicah]

They could start a wind turbine recycling business. There's over 14,000 of these great ideas abandoned all across America.

[R.P. McMurphy]

They could start a wind turbine recycling business. There's over 14,000 of these great ideas abandoned all across America.

...yeah cause coal and nuclear proponents really want to see this succeed. they wouldnt lobby against it or anything like that.

[Vashier]

Why does everything have to be done at the macro level to work? Come up with afforable HOUSE generation of electric. Small fans small solar all working together to power 1 home. If everyone were allowed the means to build their own systems it would be much easier then building huge systems to power everyone

[Kingpin55]

My Co. just divested 2B in wind assets in 2012.....If I can quote the great Bill O'Rielly "Fucking thing sucks"

[Anyonenow]

Why does everything have to be done at the macro level to work? Come up with afforable HOUSE generation of electric. Small fans small solar all working together to power 1 home. If everyone were allowed the means to build their own systems it would be much easier then building huge systems to power everyone

There is NO interest by Big <energy/utility>companies because they rely on Recurring Revenue (monthly yearly etc).

A totally off the grid home:
Will only require Batteries every 5-10 years
New Panels about 30-50 Years

Here is an interesting concept - video I just found while looking for a Home Solar Power Station

[R.P. McMurphy]

My Co. just divested 2B in wind assets in 2012.....If I can quote the great Bill O'Rielly "Fucking thing sucks"

...and warren buffet thanks you.

[ohmicah]

...yeah cause coal and nuclear proponents really want to see this succeed. they wouldnt lobby against it or anything like that.

We're getting over run with these turbines in NE Vermont. There are plenty of flat lands to put these things on, but they are putting them on mountain tops for all to see far and wide. They've ruined some very famous views with these great ideas.

On top of that, I don't really see these things spinning all that much. Not enough to justify placing them on mountain tops.

While I don't see them a lot, it's rare that I see these things turning.

[Anyonenow]

They could start a wind turbine recycling business. There's over 14,000 of these great ideas abandoned all across America.

You need to travel to some parts of Texas.

Notce what is left for dead and what is FUNCTIONING

[R.P. McMurphy]

We're getting over run with these turbines in NE Vermont. There are plenty of flat lands to put these things on, but they are putting them on mountain tops for all to see far and wide. They've ruined some very famous views with these great ideas.

On top of that, I don't really see these things spinning all that much. Not enough to justify placing them on mountain tops.

While I don't see them a lot, it's rare that I see these things turning.

...im all for exploring and refining the technologies we are working with but id be the first to sign on to ensure these robotic monsters didnt become an eyesore. if youre gonna erect one of these (or 10 of them) they have to blend it with the enviornment or let artists do something with them. in cqalifornias altamont pass these thing have been spinning there since the early 80s that i know of. its rolling foothills and flat farmland, the approach to the city of stockton where the smell of cowshit dwarfs the windmills. god bless the farmer but damn if i know how they do it.

[ohmicah]

There is just no need for this when there are flat lands available.