Toppling of the Turbines: Mackinaw City, Michigan

Invasion of the Giant Spiders?
Giant Amphibious Squids?
The New 2025 Edsels?

Nope. It's those wind turbines looming on the horizon every time we head up 127 near Ithaca. I half-expect them to uproot and start terrorizing the countryside, zapping cows and goats with their death rays.

But they are firmly secure in the ground...at least for now. When a wind turbine has exceeded its life span, it is removed.

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SO THEIR ADVANTAGES?
1) They don't pollute the air or water
2) They reduce the use of fossil fuels
3) Cheaper than coal or gas
4) Provide affordable electricity
5) No need to rely on other countries for energy sources

The arguments against turbines point out that:
1) The blades have killed “thousands of migratory birds and harm wildlife”
2) Too noisy and bothers nearby residents
3) Who's making money off these?

The average life span of a turbine base and skeletal structure is anywhere between 20 to 30 years. The inner workings like generators, wiring, blades, gearboxes, etc. are expected to be replaced much earlier. Also disturbing to some is that when a turbine has been decommissioned and taken down, the blades end up buried in a landfill.

After 23 years, in June 2024, Mackinaw City’s two wind turbines were taken down. The gallery below show images of these scrapped turbines, with thanks to Roy and Brian Cole for their permission.