Comments on: General Electric recieves $1.4 billion wind turbine contract http://www.windpowerengineering.com/news/general-electric-recieves-1-4-billion-wind-turbine-contract/ Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:44:45 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Taylor Johnson http://www.windpowerengineering.com/news/general-electric-recieves-1-4-billion-wind-turbine-contract/#comment-603 Taylor Johnson Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:49:15 +0000 http://www.windpowerengineering.com/?p=2300#comment-603 Al, it's hard to say exactly what the cost of operating a wind turbine is. Many factors come in to play such as wind speed, wind consistency, and demand for the electricity at the time it is produced. Unlike a gas or coal fired turbine which has consistent input/output variables, wind is not consistent. However, if a turbine were to produce at 12-15 cents per kWh over a 20 year life, that would be considered cheap. However, if a plant operator can keep the turbines running strong after the 20 year amortization mark, all the subsequent power (by accounting rules) is free. So to sum up my thoughts, it really depends on too many variables to give such a generic answer, but I wouldn't expect better than 12 cents/kWh. Al, it’s hard to say exactly what the cost of operating a wind turbine is. Many factors come in to play such as wind speed, wind consistency, and demand for the electricity at the time it is produced. Unlike a gas or coal fired turbine which has consistent input/output variables, wind is not consistent. However, if a turbine were to produce at 12-15 cents per kWh over a 20 year life, that would be considered cheap. However, if a plant operator can keep the turbines running strong after the 20 year amortization mark, all the subsequent power (by accounting rules) is free. So to sum up my thoughts, it really depends on too many variables to give such a generic answer, but I wouldn’t expect better than 12 cents/kWh.

]]> By: Al Stella http://www.windpowerengineering.com/news/general-electric-recieves-1-4-billion-wind-turbine-contract/#comment-602 Al Stella Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:48:39 +0000 http://www.windpowerengineering.com/?p=2300#comment-602 Powered by 338 of GE’s 2.5 MW wind turbines. What is the cost $/kW Hr for a 2.5MW wind turbine? Reciprocating engines operating on gas is around a .01 $/kW Hr. Powered by 338 of GE’s 2.5 MW wind turbines. What is the cost $/kW Hr for a 2.5MW wind turbine? Reciprocating engines operating on gas is around a .01 $/kW Hr.

]]> By: Jon Gruett http://www.windpowerengineering.com/news/general-electric-recieves-1-4-billion-wind-turbine-contract/#comment-590 Jon Gruett Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:37:14 +0000 http://www.windpowerengineering.com/?p=2300#comment-590 That is truly great news! I really appreciate having articles published that show some progress in bringing more wind power projects and positions into the USA. That is truly great news!

I really appreciate having articles published that show some progress in bringing more wind power projects and positions into the USA.

]]>