Similar to solar energy, wind energy is the fastest-growing energy source in the United States, which aims to produce 20% of its electricity from wind by 2030. There is no doubt that wind energy will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas in the coming decade, but to what extent remains to be speculated. It is renewable and a clean energy source that produces no greenhouse gases.
Understanding Wind Energy
Wind is free, and thus the operating costs are nearly zero once the turbines start running. Ongoing research efforts in technology aim to address the challenges of making wind energy cheaper and a viable alternative for individuals and businesses to generate power. On the other hand, many governments offer tax incentives to foster growth in the wind energy sector.
Advantages of Wind Energy
1. Clean Source
Wind energy production is clean. Unlike using coal or oil, generating energy from wind does not pollute the air or require any harmful chemicals. As a result, wind energy reduces our dependence on fossil fuels from foreign countries, benefiting our national economy and providing numerous other advantages.
Wind energy does not pollute the air or require any harmful chemicals.
2. Renewable Source
Wind is free. If you live in a windy geographic area, it is readily available. As a renewable asset, wind can never be depleted like conventional, non-renewable resources. The cost of wind energy has significantly decreased recently, and as it becomes more popular with the general population, it will continue to become cheaper. You will recover the costs of acquiring and installing your wind turbine over time.
Wind is caused by the Earth’s rotation, the sun heating the atmosphere, and irregularities on the Earth’s surface. We can harness wind energy and use it to generate power as long as the sun shines and the wind blows.
3. Cost-Effective
Wind turbines can power many homes. You don’t necessarily have to own a wind turbine to reap the benefits; you can purchase your energy from a service provider that supplies wind energy to a specific area. This means you don’t need to invest any money to enjoy the benefits of wind energy for your home or business.
4. Additional Savings for Landowners
Landowners leasing land for wind energy can earn significant extra cash, and wind energy also creates new jobs in this growing sector. Government organizations will also pay you if they can install wind turbines on your land. Additionally, in some cases, the utility company might owe you if you produce more energy than you consume from wind. It’s a win-win situation!
5. Utilizes Modern Technology
Wind turbines are often considered surprisingly attractive. The latest models do not resemble old-fashioned windmills. Instead, they are sleek, white, and modern. This way, you don’t have to worry about them being an eyesore on your property.
6. Rapid Growth and Significant Potential
Wind energy has seen tremendous growth over the past decade. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installed wind power capacity has increased by an average of 30% each year. Wind energy accounts for about 2.5% of total electricity generation worldwide. Wind turbines come in various sizes, meaning many individuals and businesses can take advantage of them to produce energy for their own use or sell it to utilities for profit.
7. Can Be Built on Existing Farms
Wind turbines can be installed on existing farms or agricultural land in rural areas, providing a source of income for farmers as utility companies pay them for the use of their land to generate electricity. They do not take up much space, allowing farmers to continue working the land.
Disadvantages of Wind Energy
1. Reliability of Wind
In cases where the weather does not cooperate, you may not have electricity.
Wind is often unreliable, and turbines typically operate at about 30% capacity. In cases where the weather does not support you, you may not have electricity (or you will need to rely on the utility company to support you during those times). Severe storms or high winds can damage your wind turbines, especially if they are struck by lightning.
2. Threat to Wildlife
The blades of wind turbines can indeed pose a danger to wildlife, particularly birds and other flying creatures that may be in the area. While there are ways to mitigate this, it is certainly something you want to ensure you are aware of regarding the potential consequences.
3. Noise and Visual Pollution
Wind turbines can be a significant nuisance and challenging to deal with regularly. Wind turbines generate noise levels between 50 to 60 decibels, and if you have to place it next to your home, it can be bothersome. Some individuals believe that wind turbines are unsightly, leading to complaints from neighbors.
While most people appreciate the design of wind turbines, few actually like them, often holding a NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) attitude. For the rest, wind turbines are still unappealing due to concerns that they may detract from the beauty of the landscape.
4. High Initial Setup Costs
Wind turbines and other necessary supplies to generate wind energy can be extremely costly upfront, and depending on where you live, it can be challenging to find someone to sell them to you and maintain them over time.
5. Safety Concerns for People
Severe storms and high winds can cause damage to the blades of wind turbines. Malfunctioning blades pose a safety hazard for those working nearby. They could fall and cause physical injury or death in certain circumstances.
6. Suitable for Certain Locations
Wind energy can only be harnessed in certain locations where wind speeds are high. Since they are primarily set up in remote areas, transmission lines must be built to deliver electricity to residential homes in cities, necessitating additional investment to establish infrastructure.
