A Floating Wind Turbine Wind velocities at ground level are usually lower than at higher altitudes. However, the cost fo construction of very tall support structures is prohibitive. The solution? Enter Altareos - Airborne Wind Turbine Prototype: While the tethered turbine can be floated to the best altitude for catching prevailing winds, a flexible cable easily brings down the generated power. First Intercontinental Flight For Solar Airplane A Success The first intercontinental flight of the totally solar powered airplane Solar Impulse is a technological marvel. At the end of flight lasting nearly twenty hours Solar Impulse landed with a set of fully charged batteries. An amazing feat demonstrating the might of solar power. http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=f4bb7411-aeb7-40b2-9592-b564170a35f1
The might of solar and wind power. Yes, these powers are mighty and available. So in reply of the big K's thread on geothermal energy it seems better and more viable at the moment to explore these mighty powers. There are many locations in the world where these powers are almost constantly available. Large solar heat collector systems and photo voltaic systems can be positioned as well as the wind turbine plants. It's relatively easy to transport the electrical output. Doing this will reduce the dependance on oil for energy significantly, reduce the environmental problems and benefit the chemical and plastics industries. Oh, I did post a comment on plastics engineering as I hate those idiotic plastic blister packs that we do not seem be able to live without.
You are very right that the cost of transporting electricity is far less than transporting the fuel. Most options do not take into account hidden costs, which derail promising leads.
