Wind Energy, Wind Power
Cost of Wind Power ::
Wind Power in Use
The production of Wind Energy utilizes the kinetic energy present in the wind and converts it to mechanical energy or electricity. Wind energy is a pollution-free, sustainable form of energy. Producing energy from wind does not require the use of any other fuel, doesn't create greenhouse gasses or any other toxic waste.
Using the wind to produce energy isn't a new concept. Mills used "windmills" -- and the wind to move the mechanisms that ground grain to produce flour. Today, the energy from the wind generates electricity. It is also used to pump water. The machines used to harness the wind for energy machines are called wind turbines, wind turbine generators and wind pumps.
"Spinning blades turn the shaft driving the generator that produces electricity. Small turbines may be used to provide power to a home and larger units can supply electricity to a business or school. Many large wind turbines linked together create a wind farm, a full-scale utility power plant using the wind to make electricity to sell to homeowners and businesses." (Cape & Islands Renewable Energy Collaborative)
The amount of "wind power" or kinectic energy of the moving air (wind) produced depends mainly on the speed of the wind, but is also affected by air temperature, barometric pressure, and altitude (or the density of the air).
It makes sense then, to locate our wind machines - turbines, pumps etc. . . to be located in the windiest places. More speed, means more power and energy. Putting wind turbines on high ground and atop towers helps avoid impediments to the wind that would interfer or slow down the wind.
The Cost of Wind Power
Okay. What do we need to create useable electrical or mechanical power from the wind? First we need a place to put our wind turbines: land. Land might be purchased or rented. Next, we purchase and install the wind turbines, secure access to them and, usually, tie them into the existing "power grid". The money used to invest in our "wind farm" costs us the interest we pay if borrowed or the interest it would have earned, if not borrowed. Lastly, the return on our investment depends on the amount of energy produced and the money we save by having this wind energy to use or the money we receive by selling the wind energy.
Resources for & Examples of Wind Power in Use
Adopt-a-Windmill Program
Your congregation, school, township, or organization can now join together to adopt your own state-of-the-art windmill! Help an adopt-a-windmill campaign reach the goal of purchasing the entire electrical output of one new state-of-the-art wind turbine! The more blocks you purchase - the more wind farms Community Energy can bring on line.
Contact: Community Energy, 150 Strafford Avenue, Suite 210, Wayne, PA 19087, 1-866-WIND-123, communityenergy@newwindenergy.com.
cite: communityenergy.biz
American Wind Energy Association: 1101 14th Street, NW, 12th Floor, Washington, DC 20005, (202) 383-2500, windmail@awea.org. Advocating for the development of wind energy as a reliable, environmentally superior energy alternative in the United States and around the world. National trade association representing wind power plant developers, wind turbine manufacturers, utilities, consultants, insurers, financiers, researchers, and others involved in the wind industry -- one of the world's fastest growing energy industries. In addition, AWEA represents hundreds of wind energy advocates from around the world.
cite: awea.org
Tutorial on Wind Energy: What is wind energy? What is a wind turbine and how does it work? What are wind turbines made of? How big is a wind turbine? How much does wind energy cost? How do utility-scale wind power plants compare in cost to other renewable energy sources? What is the "production tax credit" for wind energy? How much energy can wind supply worldwide? What is the "energy payback time" for a wind turbine? What are America's current sources of electricity? How many people work in the U.S. Wind Industry? What are wind power's environmental impacts? Why is there sometimes opposition to wind energy projects? How much land is needed for a utility-scale wind plant? Why don't we put all the wind turbines out to sea? Where will offshore wind farms be built? How far out to sea will they be, and how deep? How much electricity does wind generate in the U.S. today? How do residential wind turbines work? What size turbine do I need for my home? . . . and many more questions answered!
cite: awea.org
Clean Power Now: 297 North St, Suite 322A, Hyannis, MA 02601, 508-775-7796, windfarm@cleanpowernow.org. Citizens Advocating Renewable Energy Here and Now. Non-profit volunteer organization that informs citizens and empowers them to support viable renewable energy projects and policies, and to secure their local and regional benefits.
cite: cleanpowernow.org
Cape & Islands Renewable Energy Collaborative: Through CIREC, individuals and organizations participate in research, outreach, education, planning, and other activities focused on expanding the role of renewable resources in meeting local energy requirements and in improving economic, environmental, and social conditions in Cape & Islands communities. Activities are designed to accelerate transition to a sustainable energy future by encouraging both the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and practices and the development, purchase, and use of renewable energy.
cite cirenew.org
Cape Cod Center for Sustainability: With an integrated approach to the economy, the natural environment, and the social community, the Center's mission is to achieve the best possible quality of life for those living and working on Cape Cod - both now and in the future. The Center's primary goal is to foster actions which will put Cape Cod on a path toward long-term sustainability.
cite sustaincapecod.org
Kaheawa Wind Power: project is a commercial scale renewable energy project. It includes the development, design, engineering, construction, and operations of a 30 MW renewable wind energy facility. Once in operation, the project will provide approximately 9% on average of the electricity supply for Maui. It is currently the largest wind power production facility in the State of Hawaii.
cite: kaheawa.com
EOLE Wind Energy Project: MSC/RPN Project for wind energy resource and prediction. Using complete atmospheric simulation models available at Meteorological Service of Canada for the science of Wind Energy resouces.
cite: cmc.ec.gc.ca
Canadian Renewable Energy Network: Wind Energy: Technologies & Applications, Electricity for communities, Electricity for homes and farms, Electricity from turbines, Electricity in industry, Energy to drive pumps, Remote communities, Supplying electricity for a nation.
cite: canren.gc.ca
British Wind Energy Association: Trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Promoting use of wind power in and around the UK, both onshore and offshore. Lobbying group to promote wind energy and marine renewables to government. Researching and finding solutions to current issues, forum for the UK wind industry.
cite bwea.com