Wind Power

Wind energy is cost effective clean electricity. Europe, America and Asia are increasing their wind production levels. The companies that produce commercial wind turbines are booked up for years to come. Boone Pickens has a plan to get us off foreign oil through the use of wind power and natural gas.

Wind generators are huge, and produce a massive amount of electricity. Many of the ones built today are on the north Atlantic. Building them in water has advantages, but is also expensive. One advantage is the size. Because ships can tow, and haul huge loads the generators themselves can be quite massive. Building on land is limited to roads and truck sizes.

In October, 2008 the United Kingdom gained the lead in wind power production, when it surpassed long time leader Denmark. 19.7% of Denmark’s electricity is produced with wind power. And today nearly half of all wind turbines produced around the world are produced by Danish manufacturers.

So how does wind power work?

Wind Power uses turbines to convert wind energy into electricity. This is done by turning a generator with the turbine. The current is run down and connected to a power grid, a storage device or a load. Because electricity is only converted when the turbine is running electricity will need to be stored for non windy periods.

Commercial wind farms are interconnected to the grid. The electricity they provide is small in relation to the grids need. When the wind is blowing, the electric company simply produces less natural gas electricity and vice versa for when the wind stops.

In a residential, and farm setting you will need to be connected to the grid, perhaps with a reversible meter or have adequate energy storage. Most people use a battery bank, with deep cycle batteries. For a large operation Pumped-storage hydroelectricity or other forms of grid energy storage could be the answer. It could be appropriate to supplement your electricity with solar as well.

So What Do I Do?

Tell people about wind power. Call the power company and tell them you would like to see less coal power plants and more wind farms. Call and Email your senator, congressman, governor, and even the president. Tell your family and coworkers and friends about this site and others that teach about responsible energy production.

Another thing you can do is set up your own wind generators. You can build one yourself for a couple of hundred dollars. They are great if you want power at the cabin, or perhaps just for the shed. Some people use them for the whole house!

Check out ways you can live more efficiently, and build your own wind generators and solar panels.