A state-sponsored study evaluates the costs and capabilities of wind energy working in tandem with other alternative energy sources. Tom Factor is director of the Fairfield-based Iowa Wind Energy Institute, which conducted the study for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Factor says wind energy can work very well in certain parts of the state, but works best when supplemented with another type of energy source. Solar energy works best in southwest Iowa, while using a diesel generator that runs off bio-diesel fuel is another good backup. There’s also hydropower. Factor says wind power tends to be the most useful in northern Iowa because of its high-wind area.The full study is on the Internet at: “www.state.ia.us/dnr/energy/wind”.
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