Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
roots in the mid-1970s. In the end the Danish philosophy proved
much more reliable and economic [3]. An easy maintenance and
better safety measurements made the Danish models highly
popular. Without rapid up-scaling, technical and economical risks
were kept low. This advance led to a massive Danish presence in
Californian wind farms.
The young industry existed under enormous pressure: The tax
credits were destined to end on 31 December 1985. Hence, time
was quickly running out—be it Danish companies that produced
seven days a week and year-round or American developers hurrying
to get their giant blocks of machines installed before the magic
deadline. In the mid-1980s the wind business turned into an
extremely risky adventure for everyone. Danish suppliers sent
their units to the United States without knowing if the tax credits
were extended. American developers ordered machines
on the
assumption that they were extended. The months before 31
December saw many Danish machines staying packed in US
harbours and the desert fields. Nobody knew what would be the
answer of the White House concerning the tax credits extension.
Hundreds of machines never left containers and were shipped
back to Europe.
Main information:
• Continuous and strong rise of wind farms from 1981 to 1984.
Figures decreased slightly in 1985 and 1986.
• American wind turbines were first used and ruled until
roughly 1984.
• Meanwhile Danish (European) machines dominate more and
more.
• Americans used light-weight constructions while Europeans
preferred heavy-weight designs.
• Too-fast growth of wind turbines, especially on the American
market.
• European designs definitely surpassed American designs.
• California's wind farms consisted of a very diverse mix of
concepts.
• Three main resource areas: Altamont Pass, San Gorgonio Pass,
Tehachapi Pass. There were a total of seven diferent areas.
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