Photohunt: Technology
Wild Horse Wind Farm
This week’s Photohunt theme is Technology. Yes, I know – at first glance – it is not obvious. But look closer, this is a wind farm. These are the wind turbines in Eastern Washington which use the state of the art technology to gather the wind and turn it in to electricity.
Wild Horse Wind Farm is located on Whiskey Dick Mountain between Ellensburg and Vantage Washington. For many years, this was our favorite area to visit in early May to search for desert wildflowers of Eastern Washington. A couple of years ago, we noticed construction on top of Whiskey Dick and worried that the area would be destroyed. But it was not. Puget Sound Energy took great pains to restore the area and replant the native plants.
There are 127 turbines spread out over just under 10,000 acres. We visited last year and were amazed at the size of the turbines. They are 221 feet tall and the blades are 264 feet across in diameter. That is larger than the wingspan of a Boeing 747! They generate 229 megawatts of energy.
But wind is not the only natural resource harnessed with technology for a renewable energy in Washington State. We are also fortunate to have the Columbia River which through a series of dam produce electricity used throughout the west. The biggest dam – Grand Coulee.
Here are a few more pictures and a short video of the wind farm in action.
School buses near the base of the turbines for size comparison
The mighty Columbia River at Vantage – not far from the wind farm
Grand Coulee Dam
We have lots of those near where we live. It’s windy country around here. It is absolutely amazing how huge those things are when you get up close and underneath them.
An excellent choice for the theme. They may not be the asnwer to all of our energy needs but they can make a big difference. Happy weekend
The disparity between the high-tech windmills and the ancient land is striking.
Very lovely photos! We need more “technology” like that! Love the photos – they take me home. I was born and raised in Tacoma. 😀
I like your choice for this theme. I love seeing this big giants working to generate electricity. AFAIK we don’t have them in AZ but I’ve seen many on the drive to Phoenix from Los Angeles and San Diego.
So huge! We saw them (I think) on Dirty Jobs…and they are so BIG!
Nice photo and video!!
Oooh, I almost did windmills too! Took some shots when I was in Zahara last summer … I found they looked a bit frightening.
Great shots, I love your choice for the theme!
My technology share
I also touched on windfarms today! 😀
Your photos are great- the scenery is so spectacular!!
My Photo Hunt is up! Have a great weekend.
Mrs. Mecomber
New York Traveler.net
Great solution to the theme-challenge! Great shots!
Happy Weekend!
Anna
Great choice for the technology theme. Interestingly, my neighborhood is in a huge debate over this – a little too close to the urban population. The desert or the ocean seems like a suitable place. Definitely an idea and potential solution and a dynamic discussion for a current world topic. Love your photos. m
It is so cool to see all the different takes on this theme. When I see trucks go by with just one blade off these things I am amazed how big they are. I’m so glad we are using them to harness some of the energy from the air movement.
awesome shots! these wind turbines are majestic! i love green technology such as these. we have a wind farm here, it’s the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.
Great set of photos
we also have these in one of the provinces..
Great choice for the theme this week. I am surprised at how slowly they spin (or turn?). I enjoyed watching the video.
There is talk of erecting some wind turbines in Kahuku on Oahu. I think there are some on the Big Island already and possibly also some of the other islands. I think it is great to switch to alternative energy when possible.
I am always fascinated by wind farms. This year when we’re driving from Palm Desert to LA I will have to stop and wander around the giant wind farms we pass along the way.
They are just starting to invest more heavily in this technology here in Ontario.
Ahhhh the power of wind–something I have learned to hate while living on the coast of Southern Australia. I’m glad that technology has found a way to make it useful. I loved the picture with the school bus for a size comparison.
beautiful capture of technology pics! plenty too!
http://www.facilityserv.net/2009/11/ph188-technology-quintum.html