The Benefits of Wind Energy
Wind energy is fueled by the wind and is a renewable energy source. It is also the fastest-growing energy source in the world. Wind power is a form of solar energy. Wind is caused by the sun heating the atmosphere, the earth’s rotation, and irregularities on the earth’s surface. Wind flow patterns can be harvested with wind turbines and used to generate electricity. Some dismiss wind power as a passing trend, not capable of doing the job of fossil fuels. However, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), as of July 2013, the United States has 60,000 megawatts of wind capacity installed. That means that there are 45,100 utility-scale wind turbines powering over 15 million homes in America.
Social Benefits of Wind Energy
There are many benefits to wind energy. Wind is readily available throughout the United States, and it can reduce our reliance on other countries for our sources of energy. It also helps to control spikes in the cost of fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas. Wind turbines can be installed amid crops without affecting livestock or production. Local landowners and small businesses that install small groupings of turbines provide a local source of electricity. Then fuel does not have to be imported from other states, regions, or countries, which costs more.
Environmental Benefits of Wind Energy
Wind energy is a clean, renewable form of energy that has very little impact on the surrounding environment. It doesn’t pollute the air like power plants do. Power plants use fossil fuels that emit pollutants and greenhouse gases into the air. Wind power doesn’t need water to run, so it doesn’t deplete valuable resources. It also doesn’t pollute rivers, lakes, and streams. Even though wind farms are spaced over a large area, the wind turbines actually cover only a small portion of the land. Consequently, there is little impact on crops and the grazing of livestock. And since there is nothing to be mined, the land is not adversely affected. Wind farms can also be located offshore in the ocean or in lakes.
There is some concern about the noise that is generated by wind turbines. However, according to the Wind Energy Development Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement prepared by the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management (BLM), design changes have reduced the noise turbines make. In fact, the sound of the wind usually masks the noise. With the newer, more efficient models, wind is converted into rotational torque and less acoustic noise. Torque is a force that produces rotation. The noise also decreases when towers are positioned properly and are insulated well. Additionally, since wind turbines are located primarily in rural areas or at sea, it is unlikely that noise pollution will be a major issue.
Economic Benefits of Wind Energy
Wind energy is the lowest-priced renewable energy technology we have. It can cost between 4 and 6 cents per kilowatt-hour. At first glance, it can be argued that energy from traditional power sources such as gas can cost between 3.9 and 4.4 cents per kilowatt-hour. However, gas prices can rise and burning fuel releases pollutants and greenhouse gases into the air. Coal costs between 4.8 and 5.5 cents per kilowatt-hour. Because burning coal pollutes the air and coal mining destroys forests and soil quality, coal plants must meet strict environmental regulations. This makes it difficult and costly to build new coal plants. According to Synapse Energy Economics’ most recent report, if the use of wind energy was doubled in the mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes states, consumers could save $6.9 billion a year.
Most wind farms are located in rural areas where the best wind sites are found. Farmers and ranchers benefit from wind farms by leasing their land to wind-power plant owners. Wind farms take up only a small portion of land, so farmers and ranchers can still work their land. And residents who receive their electricity locally, relieve the load on existing transmission lines and the cost of bringing power from far away.
Wind farms are profitable for the surrounding communities they service and for the economy as a whole. Monies generated by wind farms can be reinvested within the community and help to grow new businesses. As the industry expands, it provides new job opportunities. While some assert that the employment opportunities in wind technology are very limited, there are jobs in financing, manufacturing, maintenance, quality assurance, transportation and safety, and many other areas, all within the wind power industry. According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), 80,000 people are currently employed in the wind industry in construction, development, engineering, and operations. And tens of thousands of people are employed in approximately 550 U.S. wind-industry manufacturing facilities.
Most people see wind power as one of the most promising energy resources of the future. However, some will argue that, according to the AWEA, wind energy produced only 3.5 percent of the nation’s electricity in 2012.This should not diminish the fact that the potential for wind energy is immense. According to a released report, the U.S. Department of Energy has set a plan to reach 20 percent of wind energy power by 2030.This would fuel the U.S. electricity grid. Because wind energy saves costs and can help provide national energy security, policy makers are considering legislation that would support wind energy growth.
Question 1
Part A
Which statement most accurately states a claim developed in Paragraph 5?
Responses
Wind power is the most economical renewable energy resource.
Wind power is the most economical renewable energy resource.
Traditional energy sources are safer for the planet than wind turbines.
Traditional energy sources are safer for the planet than wind turbines.
Traditional energy sources generate more power than wind turbines.
Traditional energy sources generate more power than wind turbines.
Wind power is the most expensive renewable energy resource.
Wind power is the most expensive renewable energy resource.
Question 2
Part B
How well does the author address the counterclaims in Paragraph 5 that fossil fuels are less expensive than wind power?
Responses
The response is effective because the author lists added financial and environmental costs of using fossil fuels that raise the cost higher than what is stated.
The response is effective because the author lists added financial and environmental costs of using fossil fuels that raise the cost higher than what is stated.
The response is ineffective because the author chooses to ignore the information presented in the counterclaims.
The response is ineffective because the author chooses to ignore the information presented in the counterclaims.
The response is effective because the author calls into question the reliability of the source information stated in the counterclaims.
The response is effective because the author calls into question the reliability of the source information stated in the counterclaims.
The response is ineffective because the statistics clearly show that energy from fossil fuels costs less than energy from wind power.