Wind Power

Wind power is the process of converting wind into energy using wind turbines.

In early July of 2008, oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens released "The Pickens Plan," which urges an increase of wind power to reduce dependence on foreign energy sources.¹

Fast Facts

1. Wind power plants are called wind farms
2. Wind energy is renewable
3. Biggest wind power markets: Germany, United States, Spain
4. Biggest wind farm U.S. states: Texas, California, Minnesota and Iowa
5. Biggest city-owned wind farm: Los Angeles
6. Supplies 20% of Danish electricity
7. Supplies 1% of U.S. electricity
8. Typical wind turbine height: 275 feet
9. Typical rotor diameter: 364 feet

Positive Opinions

Proponents say that it is renewable, clean and far less harmful to the environment than most current forms of electricity generation. They also say it will reduce dependence on foreign power sources.¹ Many also mention that because wind power does not use fuel, the price of the power does not depend on political or similar economical factors.²

Negative Opinions

Opponents argue that the best areas for wind power generation are far away from the areas which need the power, that wind is intermittent and unreliable, and the technologies that convert wind into electricity are too expensive to be worthwhile. Furthermore, many say the turbines can kill birds and that the windmills to be an eyesore.³

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