IEER

Wind Power Versus Plutonium:
An Examination of Wind Energy Potential
and a Comparison of
Offshore Wind Energy to Plutonium Use in Japan

By: Marc Fioravanti
Prepared for the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research
January, 1999

VERSION FRANCAISE

Available on this website:
Press Release
Statement of Marc Fioravanti
Foreword to the report, by Arjun Makhijani
Table of Contents to the full report
Summary of Findings and Recommendations
Ordering information

Table of Contents

FOREWORD

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Main Findings
Recommendations

1. WIND ENERGY OVERVIEW
Global Wind Energy Resources
Basic Characteristics of the Wind
Modern Wind Turbines
Global Wind Electric Capacity
Advantages and Disadvantages of Land-based Wind Energy
  • Siting Issues

2. OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY
The First Offshore Projects
Physical Considerations for Offshore Wind Development
Denmark's Plan for Offshore Wind Energy
Costs of Offshore Wind Electricity
Other Considerations for Offshore Wind Farms
  • Area Required for Offshore Wind Power
  • Impact on Ecosystems

3. CASE STUDY - WIND VS. PLUTONIUM IN JAPAN
Energy and Electricity in Japan
Plutonium Program
Japan's Wind Energy Program
Offshore Wind Energy for Japan
Comparison: Wind Energy Versus Plutonium
  • Near-term: Offshore wind vs. MOX
  • Long-term: Offshore wind vs. Breeder reactors
Conclusions

4. SOME POLICY ISSUES RELATING TO WIND POWER DEVELOPMENT

REFERENCES

VERSION FRANCAISE
Ordering information
"What's New" page
Reports Main Page
IEER Homepage

Press Release on Japan's plutonium plans in light of Tokai nuclear incident (October 1999)

Institute for Energy and Environmental Research

Comments to Outreach Coordinator: ieer@ieer.org
Takoma Park, Maryland, USA

Updated October, 1999