Wind Power Generation

ï»¿Wind Power Generation

Wind power generation in the United States has grown by nearly 45 percent in 2007. Rising public awareness of environmental issues and the escalating costs of energy production have significantly contributed to aggressive energy policies around the world as nations clamor for policies that engage alternative energy sources. Wind power generation is a clean and cost-efficient energy source that is widely preferred over fossil fuel based energy sources. In recent years, residential use of wind power generation has exploded exponentially in attempts to save on utility bills, generate profits, and do their part to help the environment.

The concept of wind power generation is not terribly difficult to understand. Basically, wind turbines, which are strategically located, collect and convert wind energy into electricity. The wind turbines are connected to electrical grids. Individual turbines can convert energy in small localities, and large scale wind farms can convert energy into larger scale electric grids.

On a small scale, wind power generation is extremely cost efficient and can even turn a profit for owners with wind turbines in prime locations. On a larger scale, however, cost efficiency is greatest when wind power generation is used as a supplementary measure. The purchase of wind power generation kits is still highly practical for home or small business use.

Wind power generation for small localities is best employed with purchased electricity as a back-up. Wind energy is the main source of energy to power an area but is supplemented with the purchased energy when wind speed is too low to effectively produce electricity. Conversely, wind energy can be generated to excess and the excess amount of energy will automatically be bought by local utility companies. This is how wind power generation not only saves in utility bills, but puts money directly in the pockets of its owners.

Wind energy is highly renewable. The general consensus is that this form of energy is much cleaner than other alternative energy sources, especially energy sources that are fossil fuel derived. However, there is some debate concerning the placement of wind turbines and wind farms. Because the best sites for wind power generation tend to be in scenic mountain areas and coastal areas, many claim that the aesthetics of wind turbines and wind farms are unnatural and devalue the landscape.

Nonetheless, wind power generation is being steadily employed. The cost-efficiency and environmental friendly nature of the energy source are amazing advantages and should not be ignored. Although the full direct and indirect impact of wind power generation may never be known, wind energy is a practical response to todayâ€™s energy problems.

News About Wind Power

Tatas may invest Rs 13,000 cr on wind, solar power (INDOlink) 14 Mar 2010 at 9:16pm
New Delhi, March 15 (PTI) Aiming to produce 25 per cent power from green sources by 2017, Tata Power plans to increase its wind and solar energy generation capacity to 2,000 MW and 250 MW respectively, which could entail an investment of over Rs 13,000 crore.

Flood warnings issued as driving rain, wind cuts power, closes roads (Baltimo... 14 Mar 2010 at 12:34pm
Heavy rain and wind closed local roads and cut power to thousands in Maryland this weekend, and the state was under flood warnings from the Eastern Shore to the West Virginia line.

Developers say timing key to Colorado wind power link (Vail Daily) 14 Mar 2010 at 3:41pm
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Developers of a proposed power transmission line linking southeast Wyoming wind fields and the Colorado Front Range say they believe in the project and are forging slowly ahead, despite a Colorado utility's rejection of Wyoming wind. New Jersey-based LS Power and the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority are partnering to develop the 180-mile line between substations at Wheatland ...

Wind, rain knock out power to 70K in Philly area (6abc Philadelphia) 13 Mar 2010 at 9:15pm
Strong wind and heavy rain roared through the Philadelphia area Saturday, leaving tens of thousands of customers without power, while across Pennsylvania officials and residents kept a nervous eye on rivers swollen by rain and melting snow.

Egypt gets $430m loan for wind power project (MENAFN) 14 Mar 2010 at 1:22am
Egypt gets $430m loan for wind power project

Power back for most, but wind is still a threat (York Daily Record) 13 Mar 2010 at 7:25pm
Met-Ed has restored power to all but 178 customers as of this afternoon, but that number could go up again as wind and rain continue in York County, a company spokeswoman said.

Northeast wind, rain knock out power to 500K (USA Today) 14 Mar 2010 at 12:43am
Strong winds and heavy rain pounded parts of the Northeast on Saturday, knocking out power to more than a half-million homes and businesses and stranding about 500 passengers on a New York-bound train for more than six hours.

Wind, rain knock out power to 450K in Northeast (AP via Yahoo! News) 13 Mar 2010 at 9:35pm
Strong winds and heavy rain pounded parts of the Northeast on Saturday, knocking out power to more than 450,000 customers, diverting international flights and toppling a boom crane at an Atlantic City casino construction site, injuring one police officer.

Heavy wind causes power outages, postpones play (New Canaan Advertiser) 13 Mar 2010 at 6:25pm
More than 2,000 people are without power in New Canaan as of 6 p.m., according to Connecticut Light & Power, following a day of intense wind and rain.

Wind, rain knocks out power to 450K in Northeast (AP via Yahoo! News) 13 Mar 2010 at 7:41pm
Strong winds and heavy rain have knocked out power for 450,000 customers in the Northeast, while diverting international flights and toppling a boom crane at an Atlantic City casino construction site.