subject: Alternative Power Sources - Wind Power [print this page] Wind power has had a lot written about it as of late so I thought it would be a good idea to look at one of the worlds great renewable energy sources and look at the disadvantages and advantages of wind energy.
ADVANTAGES
The advantages of wind energy are that it's friendly to the surrounding environment, as no fossil fuels are burnt to generate electricity from wind energy.
Most wind turbines take up less space than the average power station. Windmills only have to occupy a few square meters for the base; this allows the land around the turbine to be used for many purposes, for example agriculture.
Newer and greener technologies are making the extraction of wind energy much more efficient. The wind is free, and we are able to cash in on this free source of energy.
More advantages of wind energy are that when combined with solar electricity, this energy source is great for developed and developing countries to provide a steady, reliable supply of electricity.
DISADVANTAGES
The main disadvantage regarding wind power is down to the winds unreliability factor. In many areas, the winds strength is too low to support a wind turbine or wind farm, and this is where the use of solar power or geothermal power could be great alternatives. However there are plenty of areas where this isn't a problem
Wind power generally produce allot less electricity than the average fossil fuelled power station, requiring multiple wind turbines to be built in order to make an impact.
Wind turbine construction can be very expensive and costly to surrounding wildlife during the build process...
Protests and/or petitions usually confront any proposed wind farm development. People feel the countryside should be left in tact for everyone to enjoy its beauty. As I say green men gone mad who want to do something about climate change but don't want a blot on the landscape.
However this doesn't really affect people on the ground so to speak where people who want to make real savings need to have there own solar power so they can control the price paid for there electricity and this is much more efficient and cost effective. Especially those who want to build there own Solar panels. So whilst there are advantages of wind energy to the State and corporation solar power is of much more benefit to your average person who can financially get a benefit from it on a personal level.
