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Is Electric Wind Power the Answer?

Can wind power offer a solution to increasing demand and rising prices for electricity, coupled with the environmental problems of traditional power stations?

Wind Energy Electricity Facts

At the beginning of 2007, wind turbines already supplied 1% of world electricity consumption following a 25% growth rate in 2006. A modern windmill produces two to three megawatts of power when operating at full power. So even several wind generators produce far less electricity than a nuclear generating unit which typically produces a constant 500 megawatts.

But viewed from another perspective, a 2MW (two megawatt) wind turbine produces enough electricity for around two thousand European households, excluding electric heating. Wind power is beginning to compete economically with traditional sources of electricity on the open market. And finally, while gas, uranium and coal prices are forecast to rise, the source of energy behind wind power generation will remain free. However an opposing trend is being seen with the huge demand for wind turbines worldwide, and rising steel prices, the price of wind turbines is increasing; while the fuel is free, the initial investment is increasingly onerous.

Wind Power Enthusiasts and Opponents

Enthusiasts see wind power as the vanguard of a renewable energy revolution, the first of many renewable energy technologies that will transform electricity production. Windmill electricity produces virtually no carbon emissions and no dangerous waste materials, which further supports the case for windmill power

There has to be a catch, doesn’t there? Opponents to wind power argue that there is. There are a number of perceptions concerning wind power, some of which are valid, while others are now myths that linger from the previous generation of wind turbines. Opponents to wind power generation argue that wind generators are an unsightly, unreliable source of power that cause problems for the local population, in particular they claim that wind turbines are noisy.

Are Wind Turbines Noisy?

Noise is no longer a serious issue if the modern windmills are used, and if these windmills are sited correctly following a full wind power noise study. At a distance of a few hundred meters from a modern turbine, the noise level is similar to that in a quiet living room. A visit to a modern wind farm is the best way to appreciate this.

Are Wind Turbines Ugly?

The effect of windmills on the landscape is more subjective. Some people find wind turbines beautiful, a sign of hope for the future; indeed wind turbines often appear on advertisements for products unrelated to electricity production. Other people consider them to be ugly, industrial installations unsuited to the countryside. The aesthetics of wind turbines in the landscape is essentially a question of personal opinion.

Does Wind Power Generation Kill Birds?

Modern turbines have little effect on bird populations so long as adequate environmental studies are carried out during planning to ensure that turbine positions are appropriate; for example, wind turbines should not be built in rows perpendicular to the migration route of a species of bird known to be at risk from turbines. However, most birds simply avoid the moving blades.

Is Wind Power Intermittent?

The wind is indeed an intermittent source of energy, but a well managed large-scale electricity network can be used to even out production from renewable sources of electricity over several states or countries. Wind power is an excellent partner for hydroelectric power; when the wind blows, water accumulates in dammed reservoirs, and when there is no wind the valves are opened to produce hydro electric power.

Is Electric Wind Power the Answer?

Wind turbines do not offer a panacea that will replace traditional sources of electricity. At best windmills can provide around 20% of overall electricity production (unless a practical method of storing large quantities of electricity is developed). However, wind power provides a very useful source of cost-effective, clean electricity in an increasingly energy-hungry world.