Wind Energy
Form of energy conversion in which turbines convert the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical or electrical energy that can be used for power. Wind energy produces no greenhouse gases, it’s abundant, and it’s nearly cost competitive with fossil fuel energy. And unlike fossil fuels, wind energy is a domestic form of energy, meaning it is available almost everywhere.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Wind energy is a green energy source and does not cause pollution.
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The potential of wind power is enormous – 20 times more than what the entire human population needs.
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Wind power is renewable and there is no way we can run out of it (since wind energy originates from the sun).
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Wind turbines are incredible space-efficient. The largest of them generate enough electricity to power 600 U.S. homes.
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Wind power only accounts for about 2.5% of total worldwide electricity production, but is growing at a promising rate of 25% per year (2010).
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Prices have decreased over 80% since 1980 and are expected to keep decreasing.
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The operational costs associated with wind power are low.
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Good domestic potential: Residential wind turbines yields energy savings and protects homeowners from power outages.
Cons
Although it is a clean and renewable source of energy, there are a few disadvantages to using wind energy.
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it is intermittent, meaning it can’t provide a continuous source of electricity. This is because the wind itself is intermittent, always changing and shifting directions. If the wind is not blowing, no electricity is being generated, and this makes it difficult to integrate wind energy with convention sources of electricity.
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wind turbines are often located in remote areas, miles away from the cities they power, requiring more efficient infrastructure.
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Wind turbines can be a threat to wildlife (e.g. birds, bats).
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Noise is regularly reported as a problem by neighboring homes.