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A generator with a wider range of efficient operation is certainly nice. Not to hijack the topic, but I think that in the long range we will see tower-based turbines replaced by kites. The general field is aptly named AWE - Airborne Wind Energy. Development is still in the pre-cambrian period of trying all possible arrangements, sometimes backed by strongly-held opinions.
Given the need to match wind power to demand, we might also see rapid development of wind-powered pumps to replenish existing hydroelectric sites, using them as giant batteries. This may make up for reduced river flows, and keep existing infrastructure at capacity.
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