The Pickens Plan

I am not so particular where or who puts forth clean energy plans. In this particular case, it happens to be from a very wealthy and well to do individual.

The Pickens Plan.

Let us begin. The very basics of his plan. 20% of our energy production would be produced from wind farms built up and down the middle of the country, primarily on farms. 20% of natural gas that we currently already produce would be free to power our cars. We have an abundant amount of natural gas.

Mr. Pickens plan is innovative and well thought out. It has garnered support, most notably The American Wind Energy Association. Having more wind farms makes sense on different accounts. First, while they are somewhat expensive to purchase and install, they produce a good amount of energy when all put together. Secondly, they can be used on farmers lands. The farmers can rent their land to wind companies, therefore helping out the bottom line of struggling farmers. Third, new industry coming to rural towns is a great thing for the local economy.

A few concerns that I have with the Pickens plan. First I really do commend someone stepping up and trying to put forth any real plan. I support the idea of more wind farms in middle America. The issue and problem long term that this plan may have is that to cross over enough gas station to distribute natural gas will take some time. For the past few year the car companies have pushed hydrogen fuel cell cars. To switch again when hydrogen distribution has not been figured out could be even more catastrophic on the car industry that is already extremely shaky.

Some Alternative Ideas

There may not be a reason to push the 20% natural gas production over to fuel our cars. If we produce 20% more wind over the next ten year, then we could create a clean energy option for car companies. Let me explain.

There are two big hurdles to electric cars. One, the battery technology is not quite there. Two, even if the cars were mass produced we don't have the clean energy to run them. The Pickens plan could be modified.

Over the next ten years, chances are, the battery technology of electric cars will be up to par. Two, if we still push for the 20% wind power production, it will allow natural gas production to replace some of the coal plants. Furthermore, solar power should become a major energy source for homes over this next period. Finally, with the ever expanding geothermal push, we could see a dramatic push for clean energy over the next ten year.

We will not see a total reduction of "dirty" energy over the next ten years, not sure it is so realistic.

The Pickens Plan is a great start to a great and important debate. We need to have an all encompassing plan to address total energy production, wind and natural gas are of course part of that discussion.