why wind?

Over the past decade, wind energy has become the fastest growing source of energy in the world, with an average annual growth rate of over 20%. Wind energy provides renewable, clean electricity that is both economical and environmentally friendly.

Clean:

Wind energy provides clean electricity, free of emissions or hazardous waste. By using wind energy, we are able to avoid the contamination of greenhouse gases, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, heavy metals and particulate matter. Wind energy also lessens the amount of smog and acid rain caused by fossil fuels and reduces our contribution to global climate change.

Renewable:

Wind energy is completely renewable, sustainable and predictable. It can be used for centuries without worry about its effects on future generations. As a gift of Mother Nature, wind is available in plenty and won’t lessen the natural resources of the world.

Economical:

Wind is one of the least expensive sources of new, large-scale electricity generation. As the fuel (wind) is free of cost, wind energy provides a stable price for wind power production. Production becomes even cheaper when economies of scale are reached and as advanced technology occurs.

Reliable and Efficient:

Wind energy systems require minimal maintenance and have low operating expenses, unlike other power plants. Wind turbines are very reliable and are available for generating electricity 99% of the time as compared to other energy generating sources.

Strengthens Rural Communities:

Wind is literally the new cash crop for farmers and ranchers. Wind energy production can diversify agricultural economies and add to the tax base. Wind energy projects keep more energy dollars in the local communities, where the projects are located, and provide a steady income to the landowners. Wind farm projects also create local jobs and are not affected by international conflicts -unlike oil - making them untouched by supply problems and price fluctuations.

Supports Agriculture:

In a nuclear or coal fired power plant, risk of accidents and daily exposure to toxins are very high, making the surrounding land undesirable. Wind turbines installed in pastures have no harmful effects on people, crop production or livestock grazing. Wind farms are spaced over a large geographic area, but their real footprint covers only a small portion of the farmland.

Source: CANWEA