Journal #11

Wind Power

Wind power has become a very popular source of energy, by 2011. In fact, it is one of the fastest growing energy sources worldwide. Wind power is a source of energy which is clean and renewable. There are two kinds of wind turbines. The most common turbine is the horizontal wind turbine. These specific turbines create friction with the wind, using the angled blades, which results in movement of the turbine creating energy. This is an invention which is more environmentally friendly, compared to imported fossil fuels.  Nearly 2% of the United States' electricity come from wind turbines. This number has increased significantly in the past few decades. I believe that the government should encourage the use of wind power, because they are a clean energy source. Money from taxes should be put towards renewable energy sources, such as this. In the long run, it will make an immense difference in the well being of out planet.

However, it does not seem that things are looking up for wind turbines. Since 2009, there has not been a high demand on turbines. Because of the economy, many farmers have either stopped buying the turbines, or stopped the use of them because of their expenses. In addition, there have been found two major problems that come along with this energy source. One problem, being the weather. Obviously, there will be days when the wind does not blow in certain areas. This means a certain population will not receive electricity for however long there is no wind blowing. This is a problem. To solve this problem, there must  be a backup power plant which uses imported fossil fuels. Although, I believe that instead of using a power plant, the backup should be another renewable energy source, such as hydroelectric power. This way, no fossil fuels would need to be consumed.

The second problem with wind turbines are the location. It is hard to find a location for them because they are extremely large and noisy. As a result, wind turbines are generally put on empty plains, where the wind blows the most. However, it is not on empty plains where energy is needed. Energy is needed in large cities, tens of hundreds of miles away.

No matter the problems, I still believe wind power should expand throughout the world. We should take advantage of all the renewable energy sources such as this, in our planet.

Sources:
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/business/energy-environment/wind-power/index.html?scp=1-spot&sq=wind%20energy&st=cse
http://www.clean-energy-ideas.com/articles/how_do_wind_turbines_work.html