Did you know that there are massive wind farms in the ocean? Some have been out there for many years (since the 90's) and more are constantly being added. The first U.S. offshore wind farm is currently underway off the coast of Massachusetts in Nantucket Sound (near Cape Cod). There are of course land-based wind farms all over the world too.
The concept of using wind to produce electricity is over 120 years old. Scientists first developed basic concepts for what was to become a modern marvel in the late 1800's. The U.S. is currently the leader in wind power generation capacity. One-fifth of all energy generated in Denmark comes from wind power, which is the highest of any country.
Modern wind farms and wind-produced energy have been growing rapidly since the late 70's and are continuing to accelerate. Could this be our answer to greatly reduce our dependency on burning fossil fuels and our resolution to the energy crisis for the near future?
Some reports are claiming that this technology won't do much to reduce carbon emissions, mainly in part to the required cycling of coal and gas plants to maintain electricity when winds are not sustained. It is the same concept with an automobile burning more gas in stop-and-go traffic than traveling steadily at 55 MPH in the same amount of time. Winds are not constant, and in fact, most of the energy produced comes in bursts from 15% of the total running time of the wind turbines.
However, if you think of the production of wind energy, you can clearly see that it is clean (no harmful by-products as a result) and that it is very sustainable. As long as the wind is blowing, producing wind energy should be a breeze. With this ever-growing trend along with advancement in technology, I hope wind power could be a major player in the future of clean, sustainable, renewable energy.
Links and resources:
http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2010/08/24/Scientist-Wind-solar-energy-is-future/UPI-28921282687347/
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703792704575366700528078676.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power
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