Soderstrom Pottery Blog

I should begin by saying that I have not invented a new kiln that runs directly on wind or erected a wind turbine in our backyard. What we have done is calculate the amount of energy that we use each month to fire our electric kiln and power the studio (500kw-hours) and purchased enough wind energy to cover our energy consumption. We have done this through a program called Windsource. Windsource is a program available here in Minnesota through Xcel Energy where one can purchase wind power in 100kw-hour blocks. By purchasing these blocks, more wind energy can be produced, and more wind turbines can be installed. In fact, the EPA states that buying just one 100kw block of Windsource for a year has the same environmental benefits as not driving a car 2,400 miles or planting a half-acre of trees! Sarah and I support wind power and have made the decision that it is worth paying extra each month in order that we can have more of this clean renewable energy available. Now, if I could just attach a windmill to my kiln...