The Jetstream Initiative: Questions and Answers
1. How proven is the technology being suggested in The Jetstream Initiative?
Both the wind turbines and transmission lines are considered mature technologies, are completely reliable and are supported by many manufacturers worldwide.
2. Is there any precedent for success with this type of business model?
The Eisenhower Interstate Highway System was the largest public works project in history and its construction created millions of jobs and countless benefits. The Jetstream Initiative mimics the scope and scale of the highway system but allows for revenue generation from its operation.
3. Are there any models that show partnerships or cooperative efforts between the private and government sectors?
There is a highly successful history of operation between the U.S. government and the public in both the Small Business Innovation Research Program and the VA home loan program.
4. How many jobs will be created with The Jetstream Initiative?
Approximately 6 to 7 million jobs will be created through direct and indirect employment.
5. Are there enough manufacturers of the equipment necessary to complete the new smart transmission grid?
Domestic manufacturing of wind turbines has greatly increased. Eleven new wind turbine manufacturing plants have been built in 2007-2008 alone. This will lead to increased manufacturing capability and allow for widespread implementation. The capability for transmission manufacturing and implementation has also increased due to the number of renewable energy farms being implemented nationwide.
6. How will the new smart transmission grid integrate with the existing system?
As the new smart transmission grid will have self monitoring capability, integration with the existing transmission grid can be accomplished through smart linking and routing control.
7. How will excess energy from the new smart transmission grid be utilized?
Excess energy can be routed to desired load centers or utilized for green hydrogen production which can be stored for use as a liquid or burned as a gas for use in electrical production during peak demand hours.
8. Is there enough wind nationwide to power the new smart transmission grid?
Wind classes nationwide are diverse, producing variable speed winds according to geographical area, hourly, and seasonal time frames. Due to the size of the new smart transmission grid an area wide average will be created allowing for near base line power. This allows a median power structure in regions where there are both low and high wind classes.
9. What happens if a wind turbine ceases to function?
As the wind turbines are not reliant upon each other, operation of a line section is not affected due to failure or maintenance down time on a single turbine or several turbines in the case of a high wind speed shutdown e.g. tornado or hurricane.
10. Are there regulatory impacts from the implementation of the new smart transmission grid?
Regulatory impacts can be easily managed by government departments familiar with wide range energy management such as the Department of Energy (DOE) or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
11. How is wildlife affected by the new smart transmission grid?
As we now have a 20 plus year history of wind farms operating in the United States, a great deal of data has been compiled on the affects to surrounding wildlife. Ground base wildlife such as cattle, deer and elk has shown a history of smooth integration with wind farms. Initially Air based wildlife such as small birds, raptors, and bats had a more difficult transition. However, as the blades on current wind turbines rotate at a maximum 14 rpm, avian deaths have dropped to a point where felines and buildings cause more loss of life. In fact in the last year the Audubon Society has now advocated the use of wind turbines.
12. Where will funding come from to pay for the new smart transmission grid?
The Jetstream Initiative provides several solutions for financial implementation, none of which place the financial burden on taxpayers or federal, state, or local governments.
13. How soon can it be implemented?
The project can start phase one planning immediately with completion in 5 to 7 years if implemented at once.
Account Login
