Harvesting A Natural Resource: Wind Power

In today's economy, with America's increasing consumption of electricity and natural resources, the possibility of an inexpensive, renewable and reliable energy source is seen by consumers as a breath of fresh air. That's where wind energy comes in.

According to the Department of Energy, modern wind turbines can convert winds in most U.S. states and coastal waters into reliable, clean electricity. While wind today provides only a small percentage of our national electricity needs, it is an immense homeland energy resource and is the fastest-growing energy supply technology. 

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The United States has an abundance of potentially viable wind resources-onshore and offshore-estimated at over 2,000 gigawatts (GW). To put this into perspective, 350 GW of installed wind capacity would represent about 20 percent of our nation's current electricity demand. This is similar to the level of electricity produced from the nation's nuclear or natural gas-fired generation today.

Today, the nation's "wind farms" generate over 9,000 megawatts of electricity-enough electricity to serve more than two million households. Smaller wind systems are being used to generate on-site power and provide additional power to local utilities, and the market is expanding at over 20 percent annually. However, wind power represents more than just competitive electricity. It offers:

1. rural economic benefits from project development;
2. a hedge against volatile natural gas prices and planned use of imported liquid natural gas;
3. cost-effective clean air compliance option for businesses and communities;
4. strong potential partner for other domestic power industries including coal and nuclear; and
5. a renewable option for producing hydrogen for transportation fuels.

Wind energy is a homegrown energy source that contributes to national security by reducing America's dependence on oil and natural gas-most of which are imported from other countries. In addition, unlike most other electricity sources, wind turbines don't consume water. 

For instance, irrigation and thermal electric generation use 77 percent of all fresh water in the U.S.; wind turbines, on the other hand, don't use water at all. That makes wind energy a great choice for drought-stricken communities in rural America.

For the first time since the oil shortages in the 1970s, efforts to convert to renewable energy have accelerated. In the case of wind power in Maine, this has caused an odd conflict. 

Environmentalists and the Wind Power Debate In Maine

If you have filled up at the gas station recently, you know fuel prices are going through the roof. There is only so much fine crude in the world, and it is under pressure. Most people don’t understand that there are different types of oil. The type that is best for transportation and utility generation is very limited. Throw in the impact of pollution, issues of global warming, and you have a sudden motivation to seek alternatives. 

Wind power is a tremendous renewable energy source. Every country has wind, so supply is not a problem. The conversion of wind energy to electricity produces no pollution, another positive in our environmentally stressed world. For environmentalist, however, there is a quandary. 

The State of Maine was made for wind power. Whether on mountain tops, valleys or offshore bays and islands, excellent conditions exist for producing electricity through wind. The powers that be in Maine have recognized as much and begun the process of taking advantage of the situation. 

No less than five wind power farms are planned. When completed, they will produce over 40 percent of the electrical needs of the state. Put another way, we are talking about a major use of non-fossil fuel resources. 

Alas, this unabated commitment to wind power is causing environmentalist a problem. Wind farms, by their nature, tend to take up significant space. Further, they need to be in open areas where the wind is not impeded by buildings and such. The available areas in Maine, of course, tend to be habitats for rare or threatened species. 

Ah, now you see the quandary. Environmentalists are pro clean energy, but what about the species and habitats? If wind power farms are not allowed in Maine, the perfect place, how can anyone argue they are a viable energy platform? At this point, there is no definitive answer being given by environmental groups. The ultimate outcome will speak volumes about the future of wind power.

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