The abundance and affordability of natural gas was a contributing factor in T. Boone Pickens’ decision today to pull the plug on a his plans to build the world’s largest wind farm in Pampa, Texas. The other contributing factors were financing and transmission. Transmission lines were key to carrying the power from the wind farm to the grid, and Mr. Pickens initially planned to finance the construction of his own transmission lines but has been unable to secure financing.
Though the Texas wind farm has been canceled the “Pickens Plan” seems to still be somewhat alive and Mr. Pickens intends to look to disperse the 687 wind turbines he ordered from General Electric. Mr. Pickens as stated he will look to participate in other turbine projects and place turbines in Pampa, Midwest US, and Canada.
So though cheap, abundant natural gas is bad for other clean energy alternatives, it highlights the major importance of natural gas being the primary resource for reducing North America’s carbon emissions.
Wallstreet Journal: Ill winds blow for clean energy
