Wind Energy: World's Fastest Growing Energy Supply
Wind power is the world's fastest growing source of electricity. There are many advantages and benefits of wind power:
Wind power is clean.
Every kilowatt-hour is free of pollution and does not contribute to global warming.
Wind power offers stable-priced energy.
The wind is forever free, and will never require expensive pollution control measures, so there are no price hikes.
Offshore wind parks are unobtrusive.
When located more than six miles offshore, wind parks have minimal visual impact.
Wind is good for the American consumer.
Wind power will diversify our nation's energy sources and keep prices in check by avoiding even greater use of carbon-emitting natural gas, coal, and oil to generate electricity. And with a growing consensus for the need to take action against global warming, wind energy can protect ratepayers against the future costs of preventing greenhouse gas pollution from fossil fuel power plants. Read more.
Wind is good for the environment.
Wind energy is clean energy. Unlike coal or natural gas, every kilowatt-hour of wind energy is free of toxic emissions that pollute our air and water. Nor does wind power emit any carbon dioxide into our atmosphere, which is causing global warming. Left unchecked, global warming will lead to sea level rise, putting our fragile coastal habitats and sea-side communities at considerable risk. Wind energy also doesn't create thermal pollution that can kill young fish and other delicate marine organisms. Read more.
Wind is good for our economies.
With no fuel costs, more of our energy dollars stay in the local economy when we use wind energy. In addition to jobs created during construction and operation of a wind park, shore side communities can experience increased tourism because of a local wind project. Read more.
Danish Wind Energy Association
British Wind Energy Association
If not wind, then what?
US Department of Energy
Delaware Audubon
The Advantages of Offshore Wind
Wind energy has proven itself on land. Here's why our nation has begun to look offshore for our next wind energy projects:
- In the most densely populated coastal regions, where demand for energy is high, suitable sites for on-shore wind projects are scarce.
- Offshore wind speeds are generally higher, and the wind is steadier, compared to on-shore winds.
- Larger turbines, which can capture more wind energy, are feasible offshore because they are more easily transported via water.
- Connecting offshore turbines directly to the power grid of densely populated coastal areas can help avoid the need for new overland high-voltage transmission lines.
