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Contact: Ranjit Arab, University Relations, (785) 864-8855.

Answer to energy crisis may be blowing in the wind

LAWRENCE -- It's shaping up to be a long, hot -- and dark -- summer for Californians. Utility officials there warn that as temperatures soar, along with demand for air conditioning and other electrical appliances, the state can expect to endure more power outages.

Although it's unlikely that Kansas will experience similar power outages, a University of Kansas researcher says now is the perfect time for the state to take preventative steps.

Scott White, assistant scientist at the Kansas Geological Survey, based at KU, said developing alternative energy sources, along with encouraging conservation, would go a long way toward ensuring that Kansas does not have power outages.

"This is a good time for Kansas to start looking at the future and make wise energy decisions," he said. "If we wait until the problem is staring us in the face, we'll be more apt to make bad decisions. Fortunately, as far as meeting our electricity demands, we still have some time."

That extra time, White said, should be used to ensure the future reliability of the state's electricity supply. One place to start is by developing one of the state's most prominent natural resources: the wind. Last year, White, who is also affiliated with environmental studies at KU, helped organize the first-ever Kansas Wind Energy Conference, which explored the benefits of generating electricity from wind in the state.

Through a series of life cycle analyses of power plants, White found that over their lifetime, wind farms produced at least 20 times more energy than is required to build and operate them. By contrast, he said, coal plants produce 11 times more energy and nuclear plants produce 15 times more energy.

"That doesn't tell the whole story or equate purely to cost," White said, "but it does say that whatever energy we invest into building wind farms will lead to a substantial gain in useful energy."

However, White adds that wind farms are not a cure-all for the state's energy concerns. Many renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, depend on weather conditions and generate electricity intermittently. Still, he said, when coupled with a backup natural gas generator, windmills can carry a sizeable share of the load, while also helping to reduce our dependence on non-renewable fuels.

Moreover, there are other factors to consider, such as the financial benefits farmers can receive for allowing the windmill structures on their land.

It may be a while before wind farms are commonplace throughout Kansas, though the development of the Gray County Wind Project, which features 170 wind turbines, is a positive step.

In the meantime, White said, the state could make immediate improvements and decrease electricity demands by offering financial incentives to consumers who purchase more energy efficient products. That could mean issuing rebates to consumers who trade in their top-loading washing machine for a more energy-efficient side-loading washer, or receiving rebates for something as simple as using compact fluorescent light bulbs instead of incandescent ones. A 20-watt compact fluorescent bulb produces the same amount of light as a 75-watt incandescent bulb, he said.

"Most people with an old appliance that is still functioning probably won't consider making a change without an incentive, even if it is an energy hog," White said. "When it comes to replace that unit, good information or even a financial incentive may encourage folks to switch to a more efficient product."