Why Wind Energy?

In an age of constrained energy resources, rising energy prices, and mounting environmental concerns, electricity generated by wind is proving both economical and environmentally sound. While wind energy is not the sole answer to all of our energy and environmental concerns, wind energy can and should be a significant part of the overall solution. The expansion of wind energy will provide necessary electricity to meet growing demand, offset inefficient and polluting fossil-fired plants, and help stabilize and reduce long-term energy prices.

The vast majority of electricity in North America is generated by burning fossil fuels. Coal and natural gas are by far the largest fuel sources in the North American electricity market. As recently as 2002, it was believed that the need for new power plants, driven by growing demand and an aging fleet of generating plants, would be answered almost entirely by a mass build-up of natural gas-burning plants. However, this expectation has been altered as natural gas reserves proved less plentiful than estimated, leading to a sharp rise in electricity prices. Coal is now expected to make a huge comeback as the fuel of choice for many utilities. However, new coal plants require huge amounts of capital, take years to construct, and face stiff opposition from communities and environmental groups that object to the enormous volume of unhealthy emissions that result from burning coal.

Wind energy is now recognized as one of the least expensive methods for generating electricity and it can be employed relatively quickly. Cost-wise, wind energy is competitive with natural gas and coal. Further, the fact that wind energy utilizes a "free" fuel source means that it is immune to the price fluctuations now common to fossil fuels. Timing-wise, it can take 18-36 months from the time a coal or gas plant is permitted until it is completed, whereas a large-scale wind plant can be constructed in a period of 4-8 months.

The expansion of wind energy brings with it another significant benefit. Rural communities, where wind projects are almost always located, receive substantial economic boosts from wind energy projects. Wind projects provide construction employment and long-term skilled operating jobs, extra income for farmers, local property tax revenue, preservation of existing habitat and conservation of land and resources. It is exactly these rural benefits that have led to support from farm bureaus, rural economic development commissions, state legislatures, ranching interests, and Native American tribes throughout North America.