Meet the Remarkable Power of Wind Energy

In locations where the wind blows consistently, nothing equals the dependability of wind energy. It's a clean natural resource and beneficial to many both directly and indirectly. Most of the power generated in the U.S. comes from burning coal and natural gas, both of which are limited resources. Solar is another option for energy production, but only wind offers energy production around the clock without any fuel.

Consider these factors about wind energy that show its promise as one of the cleanest renewable resources for a growing planetary population.

Generating costs

The costs associated with generating electricity from wind power are equal to the cost of producing electricity with natural gas. Although natural gas is one of the least polluting fuels used to create power, it is an exhaustible resource, unlike wind. Recently introduced technology permits using materials that are lighter, which will create even more electricity using the same amount of wind.

Job creation

The two economic sectors that wind energy impacts the most are manufacturing and transportation, warehousing and utilities. Both of these job sectors provide higher paying jobs that have a positive trickle-down effect throughout the greater community. The turbines need regular maintenance and new wind farms require new equipment, all of which increase lucrative jobs.

The Wind Energy Association states that from the years 2004 to 2010, the wind energy sector created 17,500 more jobs and that increases will continue. In 2010 alone, the wind industry invested $10 billion in the economy and announced that 31 new facilities opened or were planned.

Local benefits

Farmers and ranchers in the regions with adequate wind resources can lease their land, which generates an additional income stream. In some cases, having windmills on the land does not prevent the farmer or rancher from grazing animals or growing crops. A large wind farm in any rural area benefits the local economy by providing dependable jobs for local residents who are qualified. If none are available, the wind farm operator hires employees from outside the area, increasing the local area population and demand for goods and services.

Energy diversification

Using wind to generate power diversifies the nation's energy portfolio and reduces the reliance on imported coal, natural gas and oil. Generating clean and renewable energy benefits the planet because wind does not release any carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, the single-most culpable cause of global warming. The combination of clean energy produced by wind farms and electric vehicles cleans the air and lowers the devastating impact of climate change.

Resource protection

The wind industry does not use any water to create electricity, compared to other power generating stations, which makes them a good fit for the western portion of the U.S. where rainfall and water resources are in short supply. Large tracts of land in the west are not suitable for farming or ranching, due to their remote locations, poor soil and lack of water. Using that land to generate power could be one of the highest and best uses for these vast tracts of public and private lands.

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