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.