Data:
|
Winds of Change |
| Studies show that enough wind resides in the United States to produce up to two times more electricity than current US generating capacity. While the likelihood of harnessing all of that unrealized power is impractical, the estimate displays the boundless potential of wind power. |
 |
Modern wind turbines can generate electricity at up to a 30% efficiency rate – rivaling conventional sources of energy. In addition, technological advancements and design modernization have reduced capital and operating costs of wind energy production, resulting in decreased price of wind power. Since 1994, wind power has averaged $0.05 per kilowatt-hour in California – competitive even in today’s energy market. |
| While wind power is remarkably efficient and economical, its environmental value is immeasurable. When weighed against oil, coal, natural gas, and even hydroelectric power, the ecological impacts of wind power are minimal. Paul Gipe argues that this fact alone makes wind power inherently more valuable than other sources; low cost and high efficiency are simply an added bonus |