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

  In a study release in April 2009, research showed that rising use of wind and solar power would pose a challenge to the U.S. grid system. Much of the grid system has to be altered in order for electricity to flow continually.Reuters: Growing wind, solar power challenge U.S. grid (April 16, 2009)

• 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.CNN.com: Oil Billionaire Pickens Puts His Money on Wind Power (July 8, 2008) 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.DailyPress.com: Energy-generating independence (July 4, 2008)

• 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.AEWO.org: A Problem With Wind Power

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Electricity | How to Lower Your Electric Bill | Solar Power | Ecology | Air Pollution | Nuclear Power | Climate Change | Meteorology | Alternative Energy | Kyoto Protocol | Greenpeace | Recycling | Biodiesel | How to Compost | How to Recycle | How to Carpool | How to Become an Electrical Engineer

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