Conspiracy Theory: Big Oil vs Wind Power

Big Oil And Conspiracy To Keep Down Wind Energy Implementation?

By Tony Jones

Over the past few years interest in wind power has increased. Wind power production has developed significantly since the price of oil has gone up and the extra added costs of pollution have become apparent. Why has not more been done? Considering the fact that the amount of wind energy existing in the atmosphere is greater than the present energy use in the world it is surprising. One statistic I have read says if the United States obtains 20 percent of its electricity from wind power by 2020, it will eliminate global warming emissions equivalent to taking 71 million vehicles off the road or planting 104 million acres of trees. Given the huge potential that such studies indicate it is baffling why even more initiative had been placed on wind energy and other forms of green energy strategies?

The clock is running……many sources reveal statistics indicating that if massive action is not take to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions my some 80 by 2050 it is said that some 20-30 percent of the species on the planet will become extinct. A gap exists in that there is an apparent realization that if we continue on our current course the future will be bleak, yet a lack of action exists to put proven technologies in place to solve the problem. This has led me to the view point from speaking with many of my customers many Americans believe that there must be some sort of conspiracy at work that is keeping wind energy down. In my observation this has become a underlying feature of the American culture whenever something that on the face doesn’t make sense….conspiracy….has to be. For example ask yourself? How many of you have heard a story about a motor invented that ran on an alternative fuel, however big oil bought it to preserve there financial interests? I do not know anything concerning this legend but my point is if you are reading this article you have probably heard something along those lines.

While I am not ready to commit to a conspiracy at this point I have observed that there are a lot of obstacles to implementing green solutions. It seem bureaucracy and others in society with opposing view points on wind energy have implementation of wind energy slowed to a snails pace. One barrier to mounting worldwide use of wind power is that wind farms must be located on large areas of land or along the coast to capture the greatest wind energy. Appropriating land to wind energy production in some instances conflicts with other agendas, such as farming, urban development, or scenic views from high end homes in prime locations. Many in the public have views that conflict with that of the green energy buff. One may view his residential wind turbine as a delightful feature in the skyline where a neighbor may see it as a noise annoyance and ugly. We consequently in many jurisdictions in the United states have home owner associations which ban wind turbines as well a local ordinances and restrictions on the turbine or limiting height of towers.

Many of the products are limited due to utility company regulations. Grid tie inverters the item which allows connecting and interaction with the power grid are very strict. I am aware of as many as five different certifications which may be required depending on the utility company involved. This creates much frustration and confusion for the consumer interested in green power. In many cases plans for such energy generation are abandoned as a consequence. I would also make the observation that much of the manufacturing base has been lost oversea in particular to China. We simply do not make enough products here in the United states to fill the demand for quality alternative energy product. Until we change the way we do business with the world that gap will continue. So while the evidence is overwhelming what needs to be done an inability to act is apparent. Regulation, safety concern, contrasting view points, and bureaucratic red tape slow the movement to wind energy power strategies. Unless a change is made to make more simple the processes the worldwide use of wind energy will without a doubt develop too slow to avert the route for humanity that most scientist say is imminent.

Source: http://www.greenenergyandyou.net/articles/archives/892

NUTSHELL:

I think that the argument presented is indeed what it is; a conspiracy theory. However, one may discern the genuine business stand point that alot of hurdles exist for the potential investor in wind power production. Then again, if we take a look at the Porters 5-Forces, we understand that every serious business should attempt to control or master these forces in order to increase or sustain profitability. In that case, ''BIG-OIL'' will have to consider '' to what extent it controls the threat of new substitutes''; your guess is as good as mine. On whether or not this- as well as associated behaviour- constitutes a conspiracy theory, the jury is still out. It depends on what side of the balance you're on.