Skyrocketing oil prices, price inflation of just about all goods and services, and the increasingly erratic and stronger weathers brought about by climate change and the depletion of our natural resources (particularly fossil fuels) have lead people to consider more viable and eco-friendly energy sources.
Use of renewable and sustainable energy is being promoted by many countries worldwide in an effort to reduce our carbon footprint and to get a cost efficient supply of power. A green energy source that has gained popularity in the recent years is Wind Energy.
Wind energy can be harnessed not only from large sources like wind farms but also from smaller models for home use.
Advantages of wind energy
Eco-friendly benefits of wind energy
Zero emissions. One of the pros of wind energy is that it produces electricity but does not produce any pollutants (greenhouse gases) that can damage our atmosphere and contribute to global warming.
Absolutely zero production of CO2, sulphur, nitrogen oxide, radiation, trace metals, particulates or any solid waste that aggravates global warming and its effects (acid rain, air pollution, stronger weather, climate change, etc).
Pollution associated with wind energy is only during manufacture of equipment, transport and installation.
Does not deplete natural resources as it uses the kinetic energy of the wind to drive the turbines that generate power.
Reduces the risk of oil spills and other threats transporting oil can cause.
Financial benefits of wind energy
The most obvious benefit of wind energy is the amount of money you can save from utility bills. It is not only one of the cheapest forms of energy that it can be afforded even by families in the low income bracket but it can also generate income.
If your wind power generator is producing more power than your average consumption, you can earn a profit by selling the excess power produced.
Wind will always be free. Most wind turbines begin generating power at wind speeds starting at 9 miles per hour.
Your utility costs (if there is any) will not be affected by fluctuations of oil prices in the world market.
After initial investment, operation cost is free.
The cost of wind turbines have decreased over the past decade making it more affordable for home use
Wind Energy is easier to install compared to gas/ coal/ nuclear plants
It takes a fraction of the time to install wind turbines as compared to traditional power plants. The most important thing is to find a suitable site and have permits approved.
Good for the economy
Wind parks or wind farms can generate not only electricity but jobs and bring economic development to rural communities where parks/farms are located. Creates jobs during the constructions phase as well as jobs to take care of operations and maintenance.
Production can be increased accordingly when the demand is high.
If the wind energy becomes developed in one area, it creates a demand for more wind energy equipments. Higher demand for Wind turbines encourages the manufacturing division, hence, more jobs and more revenue.
Wind power can be developed locally so non-oil producing countries become self-sufficient and therefore reduce dependency on imported energy.
Stabilizes whole sale electricity costs since it is no longer completely dependent on oil prices, which can fluctuate depending on supply and demand.
Because Wind turbines have 0% emissions, it is not a risk to wildlife, natural habitat and health. Communities can safely reside in areas where there are Wind Energy Farms.
Tax revenue benefits the local community.
Disadvantages of wind energy: what to consider
Reliability of wind speed / weather
Wind turbines need minimum wind speed to be able to generate power. There are those days when even a soft breeze can be barely felt; these are the days that can render wind turbines ineffective.
When storms hit, especially lightning storms, wind turbine towers are especially at risk of being damaged.
Since wind speed is not constant, electricity production will also not be consistent.
Location is very important
Unlike solar power wherein you can easily position the panels just about anywhere, wind turbines need to be in particular locations in order to maximize its efficiency.
It is very important that wind turbines and/or wind farms are situated in areas where there are consistent winds. A higher altitude usually means more consistent winds. Wind turbines are best located on valleys, mountain tops or in coastal areas.
Coastal land is expensive.
Audiovisual appeal
Wind turbines can be noisy. The sound is bigger when the wind is slower.
Some say that wind turbine towers are an eye sore. This is something that is completely subjective.
Other cons of wind energy
Some say wind turbines, whether commercial ones in wind farms or smaller home turbines, can interfere with television reception.
There are statistics that state Wind Turbines contribute to bird mortality. There are several ongoing debates in regard to this issue, whether or not the statistics are accurate or whether the rate of bird mortality due to turbine collision is cause for alarm. Nevertheless, the newer models of Wind Turbines are designed to completely eliminate the risk of bird-turbine collisions.
Investing extra money and giving up some creature comforts (like looking out at a tower free landscape) are small sacrifices in exchange for lower pollution, self-sufficiency, a healthier environment and many more.