Wind is one of the keys to developing more renewable energy, but a series of hurdles stand in the way:
Wind isn't constant, the power can't be easily stored in the current energy distribution network and it is often more expensive than sources such as coal or oil.
Washington voters recently approved new mandates for energy from renewable sources but the law leaves many difficult issues for the future. Already a coal producer in southwest Washington has forecast more demand for power from traditional sources.
For one thing, the law doesn't seem to address siting complications. In places like the Columbia River Gorge there is resistance to allowing more wind farms that would generate the power in the first place.
Another gap that hasn't been much discussed is allowing utilities ways to control demand for power. In Australia, residential water heaters can be shut off remotely to save energy. How could this be used to change the power equation in Cascadia?