“We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.”
Dolly Parton
If you have spent any time on a boat, in the mountains, or in the plains, you understand the fierce power of wind. Around the world, companies are harnessing that power through giant wind turbines to generate energy. Wind farms can be installed either onshore of offshore, and in the US they are now producing around 10% of our energy. Experts expect this to increase exponentially over the coming years. Here are three facts and a myth about wind energy.
Fact – wind energy is clean and abundant
Once wind turbines are built, the power generated is abundant and in free supply. There is obviously some carbon expended during the production and installation, but that “carbon cost” is typically recovered in the first 6 months. From that point on, the turbines provide clean energy for their remaining lifespan of 20-30 years. The CO2 prevented each year by replacing fossil fuels with wind is equivalent to removing 71 million cars from the road.
Fact – the wind energy industry is creating quality jobs
The scale-up of wind farms is creating good-paying jobs in communities across the country. According the the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, wind turbine technician will be the second fastest-growing job over the next 10 years. There will be abundant jobs of varying skill type as these farms multiply.
Fact – wind energy has big economic upside
As any new technology develops, costs decrease over time as a result of the learning curve. Case in point: wind power costs 60% less than it did in 2010. This is spurring accelerated growth. Last year alone, new investments in wind energy added $20 billion to the US economy. Importantly, the financial benefits of replacing fossil fuels with wind to our health and climate far exceed the cost. High global fossil fuel prices are making renewables like wind even more economically appealing.
Debunking a myth
While it is true that some people living near onshore wind farms have complained of noise, there is no scientific evidence that there are health risks associated with wind turbines.
Are there downsides?
Of course. With every new solution come challenges.
- Wind farms don’t make sense everywhere. Some places just aren’t windy enough, or transmission of the power is too challenging.
- The energy is intermittent.
- There is a small, but important, impact on wildlife.
- Some people don’t like the aesthetics.
- They make noise when you are close.
These challenges are being addressed by advancements in technology. All things considered, they are dwarfed by the benefits, making wind energy one of the leading solutions to the problem of climate change.
Looking to the future
The first US offshore wind farm was built off the East coast in 2016. Just this week, there was an auction for five offshore leases in California. The interest was robust. These West coast farms will have massive floating turbines located about 25 miles offshore (past the line of sight). They will eventually provide enough energy to power 1.5 million homes. Meanwhile, numerous onshore wind farms are in development.
There is a lot to be optimistic about when it comes to the enormous potential of wind energy. The International Energy Association just released a report estimating renewables will be the largest source of energy in the world by 2025, with wind playing a major part. If there is a proposed wind farm in your area, voice your support!
Let’s do something about climate change. Learn about it. Think about it. Talk about it.