Spain's wind energy reaches new high

[jpak]

http://www.theage.com.au/news/World/Spains-wind-energy-reaches-new-high/2007/03/21/1174153103988.html

Taking advantage of a particularly gusty period, Spain's wind energy generators this week reached an all-time high in electricity production, exceeding power generated by all other means, the nation's electricity network authority said in a statement.

At 5.40pm (0340 AEDT on Tuesday) on Monday, wind power generation rose to contribute 27 per cent of the country's total power requirement, Red Electrica said.

At that moment wind power contributed 8,375 mega watts to the nation's power consumption of 31,033.

Nuclear power, the second largest contributor, added 6,797 mega watts, while coal-fired electric generation came third with 5,081, the statement said.

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[GliderGuider]

1. I was in Spain last spring

Travelling by train up from Granada to Madrid we went through Don Quixote country. You could still see the little round stone windmills he tilted at in the story. In contrast, lining the ridges on either side of the valleys were mile after mile after mile of gleaming white turbines. It was breathtaking. Spain is doing a great job with wind power.

[GETPLANING]

2. I live in Zaragoza

Just outside of the city, on the way to Madrid, is a huge wind farm. Spain is ideal for wind farms because it is very windy here. Electricity is expensive, though. At least it's GREEN!