Benefits of Renewable Wind Energy
Renewable wind energy is being used throughout the world, with China leading the way with the most wind farms. Entrepreneurs are also exploring wind energy in the United States, in part because of inducements offered both on the state and federal level for wind energy system that can economically compete with fossil fuels. Proponents are excited about the prospects for wind energy because of a number of advantages of this type of alternative energy:
- No pollution. The process of capturing wind and turning wind power into electricity does not produce any pollution or toxic wastes. That’s not the case with coal and natural gas plants, which is one of the reasons the U.S. government is encouraging alternative energy sources such as wind power.
- No fuel. Wind farms do not utilize any oil, gas or other fuel in order to transform wind power into electricity. Instead, the process is completely clean. Turbines are installed in areas where research has indicated there is sufficient constant wind of 10 to 13 mph to keep the rotors of the turbines moving. The power of the wind is transferred to the turbines and then converted into electricity.
- Doesn’t use up land. While significant parcels of land are required for larger wind farms, the land can be used for other purposes. The wind farms only use up the small land footprint where each turbine is located. Many wind farms are located on farmland. The process is a win-win situation for both parties. Farmers earn rent for the land but can still produce crops on the bulk of the land. However, in the event of a drought or flood, the farmer would still be able to count on the rent money from the wind farm.
- Job production. Any new industry can create jobs that will help boost the national economy. The more wind farms that are built in the United States, the more employees that will be needed to work at those facilities.
Concerns About Renewable Wind Energy
One of the main concerns about wind energy is that there are many areas that don’t have sufficient wind levels to take advantage of this alternative energy. Even more concerning is that wind farms can be temporarily put out of business by extended periods of calm weather. Industry proponents say that makes the research for the best locations of wind farms all the more important. Other issues regarding wind farms include noise and aesthetics. The blades of a wind turbine create noise that has created some issues at wind farms. In addition, the sight of dozens or hundreds of windmill-like turbines may not be considered attractive by some people.