In addition, wind energy can provide new sources of income in rural areas, as well as jobs for people who set up and maintain wind turbines or manage wind farms. Employment opportunities range from meteorologists and surveyors to structural engineers, assembly workers, and mechanical operators. Statistics show that every Megawatt of new wind capacity creates nearly twenty jobs.
The wind industry internationally is able to provide at least 12% of the world’s future electricity needs by 2020, even if current consumption doubles. Wind has been the fastest growing energy technology in the world for the past decade, and the pace of growth has been greatest in Europe, where the majority of the world's wind equipment is installed. Much of that growth is due to cost reductions and progressive government policies.
Wind power can save you money on your electric bill by supplying you with electricity that you don't have to pay for other than the initial investment. It's like paying for the electricity once but you get to keep using it over and over. Installing wind power will allow you to be in charge or your own environment. The problems experienced by others through the failure of mainstream electricity supplies will not affect you.
Another great benefit of wind power is the rebate offered by many states for people who are willing to install wind generators in their homes. In overall terms it is likely to take up to ten years or maybe a little more to see the monetary benefits of having the original installation carried out, but from that time onwards the best part of your power will be free.
Electricity generation is responsible for 76% of the SO2 emissions in the Southeast, almost a third of the oxides of nitrogen and mercury, and half of the carbon dioxide. Investing in wind energy can reduce the harmful effects of air pollution from fossil fuel fired power plants. Wind energy can provide us with cleaner air and a healthier, safer environment.
Wind energy is a technology we can sustain over the long term. It won't pollute our air and water, and it won't produce wastes that will pile up year after year. It's also renewable. We can continue to use wind power effectively and efficiently for centuries, without worrying about how it will affect future generations.
Wind energy produces no byproducts that contribute to global warming, and the power from single utility-scale wind turbine can prevent the emission of 5,000 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. Wind energy is one of the most useful tools we have to decrease the global warming gases we release into the atmosphere every day.
The Disadvantages of Wind Power
Wind turbines can be damaged in thunderstorms, because of their tall, thin shape. The website of the National Lightning Safety Institute indicates that most damage to wind turbines is caused by lightning.
The blades of wind turbines can hit birds who attempt to fly between them, especially if the turbines are placed in migratory flight patterns. Keep in mind that birds are also affected by the disadvantages of other power generation methods, especially pollution.
Wind turbines create noise from the turning of the blades. Some people do find it very annoying and stressful while others do not mind. The noise is more likely to be a problem in otherwise quiet rural areas.
Wind turbines cause interference to nearby television reception. This can be frustrating for people whom have problem getting a clear image on the TV.
For wind powered turbines to reach optimum efficiency, the wind resource needs to be at over ten mph for long periods of time. Areas with low wind speed are not suitable for maximum gain.
The advantages of wind power are obvious and they far outweigh any of the disdvantages. The energy is free and completely renewable, no hazardous emissions, and there are no adverse environmental impacts among many other distinct positives. What more do we need to know before we embrace and capitalize on the power of the wind?
