Global warming is popular topic of conversation worldwide and as people become more educated about it they are realizing the value of large wind turbines as an alternative and renewable source of energy. To the delight of many, it is not just the average joe who has come to this realization. Many community leaders have decided to make the switch to turbines as a new energy source. This is not just small communities either; large cities are also making the switch.
Beaver County, CA Getting a Wind Farm Soon
A good example of this can be found in Beaver County, CA. They are developing a renewable energy project which they have allocated about $400 million to complete. This money will pay for 150 new turbines which will provide an alternative source of power for about 250,000 homes in Southern California. This alternative power source will also allow the homeowner to see a significant reduction in their monthly energy bill. Each turbine is large enough to create about 300 megawatts of power. Standing 200 feet tall, and with blades that measure 300 feet in diameter, the entire project will span about 40 square miles of both private and public land.
As with all construction projects, there will be jobs generated by this project. During the time that the wind turbines are being built, approximately 30 days, 220 new jobs will be created. After the turbines are constructed, there will also be additional jobs created to operate and maintain the turbines and the farm. This information is per First Wind LLC, based in San Diego; they are the company responsible for originating the program. Adding to that, officials also feel that the new wind farm will generate increased revenue in the area serviced by the wind farm and, therefore, a great boost to the economy.
UK the Home of Largest Turbines
Every day we see the announcement or development of new technology all around the world. The UK is always right in the midst of any new technological developments. This includes those involving wind turbines. Wind turbines can already be found all over the countryside in the UK, but there is a project underway to develop 65 of the largest turbines yet in the town of Powys. Capable of producing 190 megawatts of power for 100,000 homes, the blades for these turbines will measure 450 feet in length.
Another benefit of the turbines is that they are expected to create quite a stir in the tourism industry. Not only will the once quiet area of Powys suddenly find themselves dealing with tourists who wish to see the turbines that have outdone the size of the ones in Wales, but it is estimated that the turbine farm will be visible from Snowdonia National Park and from the peak of Cadair Idris, making it a potential landmark on the mainland.
The Value of Building Farms
Wind farms have many benefits, including a boost to the tourism industry in the area, improvements to the economy in the area of the farm, and the generation of new jobs. The biggest benefit, however, is often one of the most overlooked. It is the benefits that are provided to the natural wildlife habitat in the vicinity of the farm. After the turbines are constructed, wildlife habitats are being built or improved in an attempt to secure the success of the animals and the ecosystem native to that particular area.
In short: resounding yes. Many are against wind turbines and wind farm building, and I have to admit they have a few good reasons other than the stupid „I don’t like the look of wind mills in the countryside”. Well, I don’t like that the Arctic is getting smaller and smaller every day, and the fact that maybe my children won’t be able to experience the world as it is today. Letting go of the untouched view is a small sacrifice in exchange for nothing less than the whole future of Earth.
Other than the panorama there are a few reasons why one wouldn’t choose wind turbines over regular electricity generation:
Wind turbines do not produce constantly. Their performance varies based on the actual power of the wind. This can be from zero to storm force!
Efficiency is not the best available: a modern turbine running at its normal pace can deliver power to 500 households. Count quickly how many would be needed for a city with 20 million habitants?
It is not true that wind turbines are 100% environment friendly, because when factories produce them, they do emit pollution into the air. But that is a onetime pollution against the constant negative effects of regular ways.
They are noisy creatures. One turbine can produce the same level of noise as a car travelling at 60mph on the highway! You certainly don’t want that under your window constantly.
BUT almost all of these are against the industrial versions, not the ones built for home usage.
The wind is free, and it can be captured with good efficiency nowadays compared to the results some decades ago.
They do not take large portion of lands like solar farms do! The land around these small towers can be cultivated or used in a different way without any problem!
The other half of people thinks they add to the view of the landscape!
If you live on the top of the hill or miles away from any civilization you can still generate your own power with smaller wind turbines!
And the last and best one: you can build one yourself! It’s an easy process and nowadays there are complete guides available. You can view a few of these on the link found at the end of this article!