Wind Power

I have recently been reading about wind generators. The amount of energy produced around the world by wind increased by about 30% last year. With what is in the planning stages, over the next three years the current level generated could well double. In the midwest and west USA is showing an increasing interest in this type of energy production.

One article speaking against wind power generators spoke of “the dark side” of wind generation. The article pointed out that the wind turbines are not reliable as coal stations because when the wind decreases or stops, the power generated is lost. Advocates of wind power are not saying such generators were to be the primary source of power but a vehicle to augment other carbon based and hydro systems so that when the wind is blowing less coal and oil needs to be burned.

The author, Earl Jones, pointed out that such generators bring harm to birds and bats who happen to fly into the windmills. Tall buildings do the same. Birds are known to fly into one and two story homes.

I was puzzled by the statement that they also add to pollution. In reading further Jones, argues against these generators because CO2 is produced during the production of the materials used to build them. Okay, that is an interesting argument which taken to its logical conclusion means the author is arguing against everything that he uses that produces CO2 in its production, including his home and automobile. Mr. Jones lost the argument when he put forth this as a reason against wind generation.

I am in favor of wind generation augmenting our energy needs. Though they windmills on per acre do not generate the same power as a dammed river or a coal plant, it makes sense to develop this source. They eyesore argument is insignificant to me as they are less of an eyesore that buildings that rise well above the tree tops.

In areas with consistent winds above 8 mph I am in favor of the development of small wind generators that can installed to the roof (examples of items being developed – http://www.pacwind.net/products.html). While two or three of these small units will not meet all of a home’s power needs, they could provide a good portion of the home’s needs, and possibly all non-air conditioning needs when the wind is above 15 mph.

I am also in favor of farms and other rural homes with very large lots to have larger units such as http://www.e-marine-inc.com/products/wind_generators/whisper100.html that could provide the majority of their power needs. If they generate excess power, that power could be pumped into the public grid and thereby earning money for the owner (or offset bills). Such a unit could be ideal for churches that have periodic peak usage.

Obama’s tax credits to encourage the development and installation of wind units in the home is a positive step. Having a host of renewable green energy sources to help augment and decrease our reliance upon coal and other carbon fuels has far more positives than negatives.