Wind Energy Pros and Cons

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April 5, 2011

Overall, wind turbines are an excellent source of energy while creating very little pollution or emissions. Like any other invention, Wind Energy Pros and Cons need to be identified and understood. The laying of the turbine foundation and the general upkeep of the wind turbines may create more pollution and emissions in the short term, but studies have shown that the amount of energy they create far outweigh any pollution or emissions created by building and maintaining them.

Pros of wind energy:

  • Less emissions
  • Less carbon dioxide
  • Local farmers save money to continue to operate and provide local organic food
  • Provides clean energy
  • More natural than using fossil fuels
  • Been used for decades
  • Can help reduce global warming by causing less pollution
  • More jobs created locally
  • Doesn’t pollute water
  • Can be created day and night

As you can see this list is full of many reasons why wind energy is safe and efficient. But like many inventions; there are always cons:

  • Many resources and fossil fuels are used to build wind turbines
  • Birds and bats may die flying into the blades
  • Trees may be cut down to make room for wind turbine blades
  • Wind turbines are large and normally occupy a large piece of land
  • Not very attractive, especially up-close
  • Don`t produce energy on a calm day

As you see, the pros far outweigh the cons when it comes to wind energy. Compared with fossil fuels, wind energy is by far more earth friendly because it does not emit pollution. In addition wind powered turbines take up less space and require fewer resources in terms of land in order to harvest the kinetic energy of the wind. And unlike solar power, wind energy is created even when the sun is hidden.

Although there may be some instances of pollution from wind power farms, less fossil fuel is used during windy days and months. Fossil fuel is used infrequently to make up for the lack of high winds which can result in periods of decreased energy output otherwise. When there is no wind, solar power or fossil fuel is used to create energy. Wind farms are doing wonders to create energy, but they are not a permanent solution to our energy problem.

The reason is that wind can simply not make up for the vast amount of energy that people use on a daily basis thanks to the high energy output of fossil fuels that humans have become addicted to. Researchers need to find a reliable and consistent source of energy that is less damaging to the planet. With all the amazing technology; they have to be close.

The Wind Energy Pros and Cons are very important to our environment. It seems that wind energy is more helpful than harmful to the planet. Let’s just hope that soon the entire planet isn’t covered with those large, ugly and obtrusive wind turbines and that a better, more space friendly solution is found quickly for the natural energy dilemma.

Categories: Green Energy, Wind Energy, Wind Energy Facts, Wind Energy Technology.

Wind Energy Facts and Myths

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March 22, 2011

Imagine, if you will, a rural landscape. Nestled amongst scattered farms spreading out across rolling green hills, animals are lolling about in their enclosures, the sky is a brilliant blue and the breeze is blowing the clouds across the sky in ever-changing patterns. Here and there, in neat little rows, or even standing off all alone, are windmills. No, you have not suddenly been transported to Holland. In fact, you are in pretty much anywhere, USA! While there are numerous wind energy facts and myths, the biggest myth of all is that they are old fashioned, out of date, and only something you would find somewhere in the Netherlands!

The fact is, here in America and elsewhere, wind turbines are springing up in some of the most unlikely places! From farmland in the middle of rural nowhere to the heart of any major metropolitan area, these futuristic looking versions of yesteryear’s windmills are becoming more common wherever you look. Debunking wind energy myths and providing facts (Earth 4 Energy) has, over the past few years, truly changed many people’s viewpoint on these eco-friendly energy production, making them ever more popular in mainstream America.

It is a widely believed misconception that wind energy was more expensive to produce than using conventional sources. This myth has been debunked repeatedly. In 2001, the Colorado Public Service Commission determined that wind energy provided the lowest cost of any “new generation resources” submitted via bidding for Xcel Energy and there was no risk of increased fuel prices in the future. In New York, ten percent wind energy integration into the electrical power system would actually produce a reduction in customer payments of $305 million in just one year! While wind energy receives significant federal subsidies – referred to as “Production Tax Credits” – so do all of the established energy production methods.  However, as opposed to major energy corporations, wind turbines can be locally and privately owned and operated.  This means that tax credits and other federal benefits are brought to the local level instead of solely to the large corporate level.

Another myth states that wind energy is “unpredictable” and, therefore, must be backed up by traditional power generation methods. This is true for all types of energy. The energy generation field is full of redundancies already in place to compensate for load issues and other variables. Adding wind energy to “the grid” does not add to the need for any new back up methods and can be very useful in being a back up method in itself! In Denmark, Northern Germany, and parts of Spain, wind supplies twenty to forty percent of their electricity without sacrificing reliability and, in fact, increases overall energy productivity.

Other myths touch on the environmental impact of wind turbines, themselves. Wind is a constantly renewable resource, so when gas and oil prices fluctuate due to availability, wind does not. Wind turbines are far less harmful to wildlife, producing virtually no harmful byproducts. Modern wind turbines are extremely quiet, producing little more sound than a low whooshing noise, which, at any distance, is barely noticeable. So there you have it, a few wind energy facts and myths cleared up and explained.

Categories: Green Energy, Wind Energy, Wind Energy Facts.

Wind Energy Companies – Wonders For The Environment

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March 5, 2011

In the last seven years wind energy has grown almost 500%. In the year 2000 there were just 14,604 global installations; and today there are over 87,000. There is some argument as to which country has the most annual growth; Turkey claims that they use 95% more wind energy each year, while Mexico claims 84% usage.

According to GlobalData China and the U.S. have the largest wind energy markets. This is measured by megawatt capacity. China comes in at first place with over 51,000 megawatts (MW) and the U.S. follows closely with just over 45,000 megawatts (MW). So it is safe to say, the best Wind Energy Companies come from either China or the U.S.

Some of the largest Wind Energy Companies operating in China include:

Goldwind Science and Technologies

GE Energy

Suzlon Energy Ltd

Dongfang Electric Company

Vestas Wind Systems

Each of these companies installed over 100 MW in the year 2007 alone.

In the U.S.; the largest wind power companies are:

GE Energy

Vestas Wind Systems

Siemens AG

Suzlon Energy Ltd

Clipper Windpower

These are the top wind energy producing companies in the world; but let’s talk about the smaller farms and ranches that utilize wind power as a means for making money.

 

If you drive through a rural area that gets a lot of wind and doesn’t have many trees or mountains you may see a science fiction-like scene where thousands of turbines are turning slowly in the wind. Wind farms have a beauty about them and can be a sight for sore eyes. Even though they take up a lot of space, they are doing wonders for the environment.

 

When small or large farm and ranch owners use wind power to create an income they are in turn making it possible for their operations to continue. This means they are able to provide their areas with local organic produce. Wind farms not only help farmers stay in business and provide food; they also create fewer emissions because less food is less needed from out of state or international sources.

 

Because of the vast number of wind farms and Wind Energy Companies in the world today, wind power is becoming more and more popular and being more frequently used. Using less fossil fuels and more efficient ways to get energy lies in wind power. These companies believe in caring for the world and others should follow suit in order to keep the planet healthy for a long time.

 

Companies that create wind energy might also be owned by companies that use fossil fuels to make energy. This, the companies claim, is so that they can reduce their own carbon footprint by a process of elimination. When there is no wind blowing, energy has to be created in other ways. Research is being done on a daily basis to find the right way to go about this. Solar power doesn’t work when there isn’t any sunlight and wind power is only possible when there is wind blowing. Fossil fuels, right now, are the only way that humans can actually make energy on their own. Hopefully someday they will discover a “less polluting” way to do make energy.

Categories: Green Energy, Wind Energy, Wind Energy Companies, Wind Energy Technology.

Wind Energy: The Environment and Technology

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February 26, 2011

Wind Energy is exactly what it sounds like. Wind turbine blades rotate and collect the wind’s natural kinetic energy. The wind flows over the blades of the wind turbine and causes the blades to turn. These blades are connected to an electric generator which allows the wind to be converted into electricity.

One downfall to creating energy from the wind is that there isn’t always a steady flow of wind. During times such as these, regular electricity must be used. Wind power has been used for a long time; even before regular electricity, and the advancements in this technology have improved with time.

The impact of Wind Energy on the environment is far less than it is with other forms of energy production; except for solar power which might be more environmentally friendly or at least the same as wind power.

Wind turbines and windmills do not release any pollutants into the atmosphere or water supply; though there are some rare exceptions to that statement. Water is not necessary for cooling purposes. Wind power reduces the amount of energy created by fossil fuels which in turn reduces the amount of pollution, emissions, carbon dioxide and water usage that fossil fuel power plants use.

One wind turbine creates more energy than damage to the planet. This means that since there still may be some pollution from Wind Energy; the benefits are much more substantial. Many farmers and ranchers use wind power to make money. This allows them to stay in business which provides us with natural and organic food and reduces the amount of emissions from cars and airplanes delivering food from other locations.

There are some downfalls to wind farms; if you drive past a wind farm you will notice that they are very large in size, take up a lot of room and even look like you may have entered a science fiction movie. Their large size and more populated amounts have been the cause of death for many birds and bats who aren’t used to such contraptions. Pollution, being hit by vehicles and pesticides cause more deaths for these animals than wind turbines. Research is being done to find ways to help keep birds and bats safe from the wind turbines.

A lot of energy is used to create wind turbines. This includes the concrete foundations, the metal to make the actual turbine and its parts, and also the roads and vehicles used during the creation and setup of wind turbines. Though this may impact the environment in the short term; there have been many studies that prove one single wind turbine will make up for its impact on the environment in its lifetime.

Technology surprises us all the time; whether it’s a way to make energy with wind, growing vegetables without soil, or having a touch screen on a computer or cell phone. People all over the world are discovering new ways every day to make our world a safer place to live; while also having fun.

Categories: Green Energy, Wind Energy, Wind Energy Science, Wind Energy Technology.