Wind Energy

Table of Contents

What is Wind Energy?

Wind power or wind energy is the process of harnessing the energy from the wind to generate mechanical power or electricity. The wind turbines convert the kinetic energy from the wind into mechanical power which in turn is used for specific tasks (grinding grain, pumping water, etc.) or converted into electricity by a generator [5].

What are the Advantagess?

• Cost effective (land-based utility-scale wind is one of the lowest-priced sources that costs approximately 1 - 2 cents per kilowatt-hour after production tax credit) [6]

• Creates jobs

• Enables industry growth

• Clean fuel source

• Domestic energy source

• Sustainable

• Can be built on existing farms or ranches (best wind locations are on rural areas)

What are the Disadvantages?

• Wind power must still compete with conventional generation sources on a cost basis [6]

• Good land-based wind sites are often located in remote locations far away from cities where electricity is needed which requires transmission lines to be built

• Might not be the most profitable use of the land

• Turbines cause noise and aesthetic pollution

• Wind plants negatively impact local wildlife

Horizontal-Axis Turbines vs Vertical-Axis Turbines

Applications of Wind Turbines