subject: A Different Kind Of Energy [print this page] Texas is known for having oil as a source of energy. Because of its rich oil supply, it has been depended upon by, not only its residents, but also by nearby states for their oil needs. It is surprising to know as well that oil is not the only energy source there. Wind power is also utilized in the area.
Wind energy is slowly but surely becoming big not only in Texas but in the entire United States of America. In a study conducted in the year 2004, wind energy plants in the entire country generated energy equally to 6,720 megawatts (MW). The cost of installation of wind farms and turbines comes to a total of $7 billion dollars in 2004 alone. This means that wind energy is already a lucrative business with a bright future ahead of it.
Everything is big in Texas, as they always say. It is the state tagged as the largest wind energy producer in the country. It can power 600,000 average sized homes per year. It also has the largest turbines in the US. In West Texas, the number of wind farms is already in an impressive number of 1,600 farms. Most of the wind farms are strategically places in windy areas such as the Gulf Coast and the High Plains.
US Department of Energy once concluded that if North Dakota, Kansas and Texas work together and build wind turbines in strategic locations; it can give power to the whole country already. Wind energy is now at par with natural gas and coal power in terms of production. A lot of Texas electric companies are already using this energy source to their advantage.
Texas energy when it comes to wind farms benefits the schools in the state. The profits of the wind farms are allocated to the Texas Permanent School Fund. The earning is expected to be $300 million over the span of 20 years.
Texas energy using wind energy is not only advantageous in terms of finances. It is also ecologically-friendly and socially- friendly as it helps the schools in Texas. Other states should follow the Texas example.
