Wind can play a bigger role in power generation

Why wind should provide more of our energy:

• Wind farms are zero emissions: they don’t emit air pollution of any kind -- nor any other waste once they’re built.
• Wind power is low priced, costing between 4 and 6 cents per kilowatt-hour
• The best winds are often found on farms or ranches. Locating wind production in areas dependent on agriculture can boost struggling rural economies. Lands around the turbine may still be used for agriculture.
• Wind energy can help protect consumers against electricity price increases due to increased fossil fuel prices.

Downsides to consider:

• When placed in locations with moderate or low wind activity, wind farms may not be cost competitive.
• Establishing a wind farm requires a higher initial investment than fossil-fueled generators, though reduced or altogether avoided utility costs throughout the life of the technology may often mean lower costs overall.
• Rotor blades produce noise that may disturb nearby residents, though proper siting can reduce this problem.
• Some bat species, particularly migratory bats, are killed in large numbers by wind turbines. Research on bat behavior currently being conducted by the US government may provide insights on how wind farms can prevent bat mortalities.
• Some bird species are also killed in large numbers by wind farms. Bird mortalities can be reduced with proper siting, operation, and monitoring guidelines or regulations. And in fact, two prominent groups dedicated to protecting bird populations have endorsed wind power.

For More Information:

• Department of Energy
• American Wind Energy Association
• Energy Information Administration

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