Mark Jacobson Analysis

Debate over Carbon Footprint of Wind Energy

Mark Jacobson is a Professor of Civil and Environmental engineering at Stanford University. Among other degrees he holds a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science. Dr. Jacobson is a proponent of wind energy and outlined many of his claims about the future viability of wind energy in the TedTalk debate with environmentalist Stewart Brand. Dr. Jacobson’s argument in the debate claims that we don’t need to turn to nuclear energy for energy support in this country because wind energy has the potential to meet our energy needs without subjection to the negative environmental impact that nuclear technology imposes. It is clear that he feels very passionate about his claim to the extent that, I believe, he over-simplifies
Jacobson states that the only footprint realized consists of the small area of earth that the base of the turbine pole occupies. He calculates that only 1-3 sq/km would be all that is necessary to provide enough energy to power the entire US vehicle fleet (I think he used this analogy because it is more relatable, not necessarily because he thinks the entire country will be driving electric cars). Dr. Jacobson calculated this productivity would require a total of 73,000-145,000 turbines. He clarifies that the spacing between turbines can be used agriculturally, so that area is not computed into the footprint total. Dr. Jacobson neglects, however, to address other aspects of making wind technology feasible for widespread use in the country that would clearly have an impact on the collective carbon
The most productive wind generating locations in the US is remote. The infrastructure of current transmission lines across the country is too small to carry the energy load that would supply necessary energy levels. A major investment to increase power grids and transmission lines would certainly add to the “where the pole touches the ground” carbon footprint claim Dr. Jacobson made. A link to a NY Times article outlining the grid complications can be accessed at http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/27/business/27grid.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin. Furthermore, since wind is unpredictable in inconstant, energy must be stored to provide electricity when the wind isn’t blowing. The extensive use of lead-acid batteries is required as a critical feature in the success of using wind technology as an energy source. Researchers are developing grid-scale storage batteries, but the fossil fuel required to build these technologies could negate some of the environmental benefits of new solar and wind farms, say Stanford scientists (The Information Company Pvt. Ltd). All batteries have a limited lifespan, so they must be disposed of and replaced. This factor also increases the carbon footprint calculation that could have been mentioned in the