Wind Power Wafts Into Louisiana, Bringing Jobs And Energy

[jpak]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/susan-buchanan/wind-power-wafts-into-lou_b_1198178.html

Louisiana and the rest of the South are starting to harness wind power--something that's done on a larger scale in states to the north and west of us. Wind accounts for 3% of electricity in the U.S. and keeps the lights on in over 5% of the European Union. Gusts have long been used for power, and were captured by wind wheels in ancient Greece and more recently by mills in Holland.

Demand for wind-turbine parts has created jobs in southeast Louisiana. Using state tax credits, UK-based Blade Dynamics set up shop fifteen months ago at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans East, and is hiring hundreds of workers. Those jobs are welcome after the downsizing that occurred at Michoud as the nation's space-shuttle program ended last year.

Blade's products won't stay in Louisiana, however. Last week, Blade co-founder Theo Botha said "we just sent out our first American-made blade from the factory. The 50-yard long blade--called Dynamic 49 and designed for a 2 megawatt turbine--is being tested for certification." The Michoud facility has port access, and the company will begin shipping shortly from New Orleans.

Botha said "Louisiana has a wonderful opportunity to embrace wind energy, and we look forward to participating." But he added "for now, our market is outside of Louisiana."

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