A wind turbine is a piece of machinery, typically between 60 and 120 meters tall. Wind turbines have three large metal blades that spin and are connected to a drive shaft, which turns the generator, thus creating electricity. Wind turbines can be connected to a power grid and can supply electricity to wherever it is needed. Wind energy is fully renewable, like solar, and replenished at a higher rate than used. Wind turbines are commonly used all around the world. Like all forms of energy, renewable or not, wind energy has pros and cons.
Pros
- Clean Form of Energy
Wind energy is completely renewable and doesn’t rely on fossil fuels, so it is not harmful to the environment. Unlike some other energy sources, it doesn’t contribute to global warming.
- Reduced Need for Fossil Fuels
Burning fossil fuels is used for many sources of energy—but not for wind turbines. Fossil fuels emit greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming. They are also not a renewable source of energy, which means eventually, we will run out of them. Wind turbines, however, create energy and electricity from the wind.
- Extremely Efficient
Wind turbines have become increasingly efficient over time. Technological advances have improved their design and increased the amount of electricity that can be generated from the same amount of wind. As time goes by, the industry will continue to create better designs, lower operating costs, require less maintenance, and become overall more efficient.
Cons
- High Initial Cost
Wind turbines are hundreds of feet tall and thus require a substantial upfront investment to build. Underground power lines are also needed to send power to towns and cities.
- Dangerous to Wildlife
Wind turbines have heavy, spinning blades that can threaten some wildlife. If many wind turbines are located in the migratory path of birds or bats, the blades can injure or kill them. The large amount of noise can also affect wildlife nearby on the ground.
- Wind is Inconsistent
Wind power is inconsistent and difficult to predict. Because wind blows at various times and speeds, it is tough to constantly indicate how much energy it can harvest and supply electricity. This means that cities, towns, or wherever electricity is supplied need alternative sources of power or reserves of power in case winds die down for long periods of time.
While wind turbines have their ups and downs, they are a good sustainable source of energy that is completely renewable and requires low maintenance, making them a fit option for the electricity source of the future.
Related Stories:
https://justenergy.com/blog/wind-energy-pros-and-cons/
https://www.energysage.com/about-clean-energy/wind/pros-cons-wind-energy/
https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/wind-energy-pros-and-cons
https://www.energy.gov/eere/wind/advantages-and-challenges-wind-energy
https://bkvenergy.com/learning-center/wind-energy-pros-and-cons/
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