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Clean Energy Technology: Wind Technology

Wind EnergyWind energy supplies less than half of one percent of the electricity in the United States. If wind technology were used to its full potential, it could meet 20 percent of our energy needs. This would greatly reduce our dependence on outside energy sources. Wind is a clean, local source of energy, and it is one of the cheapest clean energy technologies. In some areas, wind can compete in price with fossil fuels.

hOW DOES WIND TECHNOLOGY WORK?Wind Energy Turbines

The sun does not warm the Earth and its atmosphere evenly. This uneven warming causes the air to move, creating wind. When air is in motion, it possesses kinetic energy. This energy can be harnessed by wind turbines and used to generate electricity.  The most common type of turbine is the horizontal axis turbine. When the wind turns the turbine’s blades, electricity is produced by a generator. The blades and the generator are supported by a tower. The height of the tower gives the blades unobstructed access to the wind. The vertical axis turbine, a less common type, resembles an egg beater.


WHAT ABOUT THOSE PICTURES i SEE OF ROWS AND ROWS OF WIND TURBINES?

They’re wind farms, also known as wind power plants. To produce energy on a large scale for the electrical grid, wind turbines are grouped together. Rural farming communities are potential wind farm locations. Farmers benefit from leasing their property to wind energy companies, while the property remains a working farm.

Offshore wind farms capture energy from wind that blows across the ocean, a more efficient and a reliable source than wind that blows across land.  

CAN I PUT A WIND TURBINE ON MY HOUSE?

Single turbines may be used to provide power to homes or businesses, depending upon local zoning and other regulations. These systems may provide all or some of a property’s energy needs. Tax credits up to 30 percent of installation cost may be available.

To find out if your property meets the conditions for a wind energy system, check out the U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program.  

IF WIND ENERGY IS SO GREAT, WHY AREN'T WE USING MORE OF IT?

For wind energy to become a significant source of U.S. energy, several policy and infrastructure issues need to be worked out. That is happening now. Some critics consider turbines visually unappealing and worry that the turbines harm wildlife. Others argue that wind isn’t reliable, and that wind energy is only useful as a companion to traditional, more predictable energy sources. However, newer designs and systems are making wind energy more viable.

Wind Technology Resources

 

 
 
 
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