Extremely Phallic, Clean Techonology Skyscaper makes our Editorial Intern Think Dirty Thoughts

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Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture of Chicago are working on a new wind-powered skyscraper that will make you need to cross your legs.

The curved tip of the building will be covered with a photovoltaic helmet, and turbines up and down the (ahem) shaft of the proposed structure will direct the windy cities’ wind inward for power and insulation. The eco-ingeniousness alone is enough to make you want to rub up against it. Then, you take a look at the slick, strong lines of the building and there’s no holding back. Seriously, the building looks exactly like a skyward-pointing, throbbing male organ complete with glorious mane of lush, green pubic hair. Can’t wait until it’s erect..ed.

Link [TrendHunter]

Can a Power Company REALLY Be Carbon Neutral?

Yes, it can be done, and a New Zealand power company has been doing it for more than a year.

Worldchanging explains:

Meridian Energy generates around a third of New Zealand’s total energy demand (approx 12,000 GWh) exclusively from wind and hydro sources. The company has a history of advocating a carbon credit marketplace.

But not all New Zealand state-owned enterprises can boast the same carbon neutral certification.

Solid Energy is the largest coal mining company in New Zealand, and also state owned. It’s the company, I’m ashamed to say, that dig up and export New Zealand’s coal to be burned in China—and the ones that intend to create a new open cast mine in Happy Valley.

It sounds like a terrible place for a coal mine—even though I’m not certain what or where Happy Valley is (but then, what do Americans know about New Zealand really, except that it’s where the Hobbits live?). Before we all get too happy about this, I should note that Meridian Energy is carbon neutral in large part because they operate nine hydroelectric projects—big dams, that is, of the sort that would be considered an environmental disaster if they were under construction today, but are somehow okay if they already exist.

Meridian Energy also operate wind turbines—like the one in the photo above, in Wellington—on a really large scale.

Link [Worldchanging]

Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons

Video: Danish Wind Turbine Explodes in High Winds

When wind turbines attack!

Check out this wind turbine exploding in Denmark in some kicking high wind. Wind turbines have mechanisms to stop the blades from spinning when it gets super gusty but this one obviously malfunctioned. Yikes!