Wind
power offers a non-polluting alternative to fossil
fuels: a service to the air and sky.
Efficient
Advanced
technology allows for an efficiency comparable,
if not superior, to conventional sources.
Affordable
The
cost of wind is now competitive with popular polluters
such as oil and natural gas.
Location
An
average wind speed of 15 miles per hour is needed
to sustain a wind farm. The average wind speed in
Eugene, OR is 2.5 mph.
Compatibility
Migrating
birds and scenic beauty are issues that often suspend
the building of wind turbines.
Storage
Wind
varies, and so do energy needs. Effective ways to
deal with surplus and shortage are insufficient
at best.
A
Brief History..
The
first known windmill dates as far back as 1180,
and in 1850 wind supplied 90% of the power used
in dutch industry. In America, wind was used
for centuries to pump water and power machinery
on farms. At one point, more than 9 million
windmills existed on the American landscape.
However, as other sources of energy became available,
the use of wind declined.
More
recently, while technology advanced, an environmentally
conscious age also brought demand for renewable
energy. Wind farms sprung up in many states
during the 1980s, primarily in California.
Since then, production of wind-generated electricity
has increased dramatically, generating as
much energy as conventional power plants.
Not only has wind become efficient, but also
more affordable. As author Paul Gipe concludes
in his book on the history of wind power,
"Wind energy has come of age".
The
Bird Controversy: Wind turbine's
impacts on birds are often the most prominent
factor limiting the construction of new wind
projects. But how big is the problem?
The
Story Today: Modern technological
advancements have greatly improved the scope
of wind power.
Did
you know…
You can support wind power by purchasing 10, 25, 50
or even 100% wind power from EWEB. For only a few
more dollars a month, you can help save the environment!
Click here for details.
