Can cemeteries help in renewable energy projects?

William Atkins
Monday, 24 November 2008 22:42

Science - Energy

For instance, in Illinois (U.S.A.) the WindAction.org article “Wind farm zoning not a federal concern” states, “Several weeks ago there was a debate raging in the Letters to the Editor column on publishing a picture of a wind turbine next to a house. The author contended that the picture was a great example of the ugliness that a 400-foot wind tower imposes on the landscape.”

However, we have a lot of cemeteries across the United States, and most of them are only being used for one purpose: as the final resting place for our departed.

As a suggestion, why don’t we put them to further use and locate some of our wind-generating farms and solar arrays on such property.

It would seem to be an excellent way to provide renewable energy to local citizens, while not having to locate such structures immediately next to where people live.

Now, I’m sure some living people would be offended by having a solar array or a wind mill on top of the grave of one of their loved ones.

On the other hand, the dead person really isn’t going to mind nearly as much as a living person located immedicately next to such a structure.

Anyway, it is something to consider in the future.