Twin Springs Goes Greener

By lycobob, Unfiltered 4-23-06

Twin Springs is a small resort village on the Middle Fork of the Boise River. It is off the electric grid, and all electricity is generated locally. Until a few years ago, electricity was produced by gasoline generators. This represented a major expense, and the generators consumed over a thousand gallons of fuel yearly. Now, the generators have been replaced by local, renewable energy. The results are encouraging.
Twin Springs installed solar panels and a small hydroelectric turbine to replace the generators. These feed a bank of batteries, which in turn provides electricity for applications like lighting and small appliances. The total demand for electricity is kept in check by use of propane and hot water. The stoves and refrigerators are powered by propane, and the houses are heated by hot spring water. Likewise, hot tap water comes directly from the spring.
High gasoline and diesel prices have improved the economics of the new system. The up-front costs were high, but the fuel (sunlight and running water) is free. Initially, Twin Springs had hoped to break even in three years. With higher gas prices, the break-even point was reached closer to two years after installation. The actual electric service is also better. Twin Springs now has round the clock electricity. In the past, the generators only operated in the afternoon and evening, with no electricity late at night or in the morning.
The experience of Twin Springs illustrates the benefits and problems with renewable energy. Renewable energy systems usually cost more to install than systems powered by petroleum products or natural gas. However, with fuel that is free, these systems can eventually pay for themselves. If oil and gas prices remain high, renewable systems like this will be more attractive. The U.S. currently gets about 3% of its electricity from petroleum products. Renewable energy projects like the one in Twin Springs can reduce oil consumption and its environmental, economic and political consequences.

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