Wind Power as an Alternative Energy Source

Wind has been used as an alternative energy source for over 2000 years.  With the use of sails on a boat or in the form of a large scale wind farm used to power a whole neighborhood.  As we reach closer and closer to the tipping point of global warming, now is the time to pursue alternatives to costly fossil fuels. Wind Energy as an alternative to fossil fuels is an attractive one and one that should be highly considered. Wind energy is free and ever abundant.

With the clear evidence of global warming and the mounting environmental and health problems associated with the use of fossil fuels, along with its rapidly declining availability it is clear that a shift needs to be made towards renewable energy resources such as wind power. Renewable energy resources could provide many immediate environmental benefits by avoiding the mass pollution caused by renewable resources. However the greatest benefit is the economic benefit.  To track the economic benefit one must look at “what” is modern wind power.

Modern wind power was born in Denmark. In 1891, an adventurous teacher called Poul la Cour discovered that the traditional clapboard-sailed windmill could be adapted from grinding corn to producing electricity. (“Denmark-Birthplace of Modern Wind Power; 2006) Although modern wind power was born in 1891, and a domestic market had already opened in Denmark, it wasn’t until the California “wind rush” that gave Danish turbines their head. Fuelled by tax credits to encourage alternative energy, thousands of wind turbines went up around the windswept passes above Los Angeles. Over 7,000 of them were Danish. (“Denmark-Birthplace of Modern Wind Power; 2006)

Since wind powers birth in 1891 the production of turbines has become Denmark’s fourth largest export commodity. Wind energy is a booming international business. Global sales of wind turbines reached US$ 1.5 billion in 1997. (“Wind Energy-A Global Market”; 2006) Wind energy has expanded globally and not just in Europe. Coal dependent China’s wind energy capacity is predicted to double in 1998 to almost 300 megawatts. In South America, Brazil is the latest country to join the wind club. In Africa, Morocco is leading the way with a 50 Megawatt scheme. After a quiet period, the United States is also expanding again. In Europe, seven million people now get their electricity from the wind. (“Wind Energy-A Global Market”; 2006)

Government regulations have also helped the global expansion of renewable energy resources. Many countries have adopted reduction plans calling for 10% power production from renewable energy resources by 2020. However the governments have done little to aid the process, other than offer small tax incentives and rebates that have depended on the availability of government funds.

With the clear threat that fossil fuels bring and the lack of commitment from the government, this could spell global disaster, especially if civilians don’t want to step up and make a change. With the clear benefits of wind power: A typical 600 kilowatt wind turbine can produce up to two million units of electricity in a year. This is the equivalent to the annual power consumption of 400 households. (“World beaters- the Danish wind industry”, 2006) With little to no pollution or other harmful risks, opposed to the hundreds, thousands, millions and even billions of tons of chemical waste and harmful risks associated with fossil fuels.  Wind power seems like the logical and most reasonable choice in renewable energy. However there are seven major opposing arguments against wind power as an alternative energy.

The first major argument opponents have against wind power is that it produces little power. In reality a wind turbine will produce enough energy to pay back what was used to construct it in as little as three months. And Denmark produces over 15% of its electricity from wind while Germany produces over 5% of its total power. (West Wales ECO Centre) This idea of wind being inefficient is in part due to the variations in wind speed at any given location. Some argue that the wind is intermittent and therefore unreliable. This is partially true; variations in the wind will cause a turbine to produce an excess amount of power at some times and little to none at others. One thing to remember is that the wind varies meaning that there is usually always some wind, and that were an average wind speed comes in. The variation in wind speed calls in whether or not there will be an increased need for “backup” from traditional sources. In 2009 three reports published by respectively the National Grid, energy company Poyry and a coalition of nongovernmental organizations’, produced the same conclusion: large amounts of wind energy capacity on the system need relatively small amounts of back up. (RenewableUK) With all of the potential “cost” assumed many opponents believe that wind energy is expensive. This is where the second argument comes in.

The second major argument against wind power is that it is expensive. The average cost of generating electricity from onshore wind is now around 3-4p per kilowatt hour, competitive with new coal (2.5-4.5p) and cheaper than new nuclear (4-7p). (West Wales ECO Centre) Also once constructed there are no additional fuel and waste costs, this is because wind is an abundant, free resource. The cost of generating electricity from wind has fallen dramatically over the past few years. Between 1990 and 2002, world wind energy capacity doubled every three years and with every doubling prices fell by 15%. (West Wales ECO Centre) With the reality of the “low” cost of wind energy, developers have in the works hundreds of wind farms. With the rapid development of wind farms opponents argue that they clutter the skyline. This is where the third argument comes in.

The third major argument is that wind turbines are visually intrusive. Opponents rage that wind farms are taking over the country side. Wind turbines are generally placed on ridge tops and sides of hills for ideal wind conditions. These areas are also ideal places for cabins and hiking, etc… there by becoming intrusive to some people. Some wind turbine manufactures have employed industrial designers to help improve the look of their machines. This has led to a trend towards tubular towers rather than lattice towers and more slender and refined nacelle shapes. Landscape architects are often consulted on the layout of wind farms. They aim to ensure that the farms seem coherent and do not appear cluttered in the landscape. They consider the effects of the turbines against the skyline and from important viewpoints or beauty spots. The color of a wind turbine can also affect how noticeable it is. (Department of Trade and Industry) Wind turbines co-existing with nature make opponent assume that they are unpopular. This is where the fourth argument comes in.

The fourth argument against wind power is that they are unpopular and that they will drive tourist away. The opposite is what actually happens. For example, wind farms in many cases are tourist attractions in their own rights, evident from the 35,000 people who pass through the doors of the Scroby Sands Visitor Centre each year, or the 10,000 annual visitors who take the turbine tour at the Ecotech Centre in Swaffham, Norfolk. Local residents often prove to be among the strongest advocates for their wind farm, as councilor Margaret Munn of Ardossan in Scotland comments:

“The Ardrossan wind farm has been overwhelmingly accepted by local people - instead of spoiling the landscape we believe it has been enhanced. The turbines are impressive looking, bring a calming effect to the town and contrary to the belief that they would be noisy, we have found them to be silent workhorses.” (The British Wind Energy Assosication)

The thought of wind farms being unpopular would lead you to logically assume that it would affect the housing and property prices within proximity of it. This is where the fifth argument comes in.

The fifth argument against wind power is that it will adversely affect housing and property prices. There has been no clear connection between home and property prices in the vicinity of wind farms. In the world’s most comprehensive study on the subject to date , the USA’s Renewable Energy Policy Project compiled a survey of house values in the vicinity of wind turbines compared with those with no turbines in the vicinity. They examined 24,300 property transactions from 10 locations within the US over the period of six years; and concluded that there was no evidence to suggest that wind turbines sited within five mile radius of property had a negative impact on value. In fact, property values appeared to raise above the national average within the case study locations, suggesting that wind turbines actually had a positive effect on value. (RenewableUK) It is important to remember that most wind farms are located away from people, which means they are in the middle of nature, co-existing with wildlife including sharing the skies with birds. The thought of wind turbines sharing the space with wildlife would lead you to inquire about their safety. This is where the sixth argument comes in.

The sixth argument against wind power is that the turbine blades threaten birds. Much study has been done on the flight patterns of migrating flocks. With this research comes conclusive data allowing for turbines to be placed out of the flight path. Generally, at wind farms wildlife lives in harmony with the wind turbines. This is apparent at existing wind farms where livestock graze right up to the base of the turbine. Evidence to date suggests that there is minimal risk to birds from properly sited wind turbines. There are few cases where birds have been injured through collision with wind turbines. This should be considered in the context of the number of bird deaths caused by collision with radio masts, electricity pylons, aircraft, vehicles etc. Monitoring studies at operational wind farms in the UK indicate that, in general, birds live in harmony with wind turbines. (Department of Trade and Industry)

The seventh argument against wind power is that it is noisy. Technology is evolving rapidly. Since the birth of wind turbines much improvement has been made on the designs. Turbines are a lot quieter than before. Noise from wind turbines is less than from many everyday country activities. Two types of noise are generated by a wind turbine: aerodynamic (from the blades) and mechanical (from the rotating machinery). Aerodynamic noise has been linked to the swooshing sound caused by branches of trees during a brisk wind. Mechanical can be minimized by using well-proven engineering practices. (Department of Trade and Industry) Most modern wind turbine have far better insulation as well as lower rotation speeds, fewer moving parts, no gearboxes, and more efficient blade design than previous turbines. With setback distances the noise is very limited. The loudness of a noise can be measured as the sound pressure level in decibels. The chart on the next page is based on one produced by the British Wind Energy Association, which shows the sound pressure levels produces by common noises, compared to the modern wind turbine:

(Noble Environmental Power, LLC)

Noise can be classified as an “unwanted” sound. This can be equated to ones attitude about what is making the noise. People who oppose wind turbines may find the minimal noise offensive. However supporters are not bothered by it. With modern turbine designs, mechanical noise from turbines is almost undetectable. It is possible to stand directly under a turbine and hear only the ‘swish’ of the blades. Low frequency noise is not a problem to people living nearby. A survey commissioned by the DTI in 1997 found that vibration levels 100 meters from turbines are ten times lower that the safety levels required by modern laboratories. (West Wales ECO Centre)

            There are abundant benefits to wind power as an alternative energy. The most noticeable is the saved emissions. The mining, drilling, refining, shipping, use and disposal of fossil fuel like coal, oil and natural gas, to make electricity pollutes the world’s air, consumes and pollutes water, hurts plants and animal life, creates toxic wastes and causes global warming.

Air pollution aggravates asthma, the number one children’s health problem. Air pollution also causes disease and even premature death among vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and people with lung disease. A 1996 analysis by the Natural Resources Defense Council of studies by Harvard Medical School suggests that small particles in the air may be responsible for as many as 64,000 deaths each year from heart and lung disease. (UCS, 1999)

            The bi-products of fossil fuels, Greenhouse gases, are the cause of several major problems:

·       Sulfur oxides, is the main cause of acid rain which causes lakes and rivers to become too acidic to accommodate plant and animal life.

·       Nitrogen Oxide and ozone can irate the lungs, cause bronchitis and pneumonia, and decrease resistance to respiratory infections.

·       Carbon Dioxide a main contributor to global warming traps heat in the earth’s atmosphere.

·       Air toxic-metals, mercury, arsenic, and lead can accumulate in the fatty tissue of animals and humans causing severe health problems like mental retardation, nervous system damage, and developmental disorders.

·       Carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and large particles: dust, soot, smoke, and other suspended matter as well as small particles have been linked to serious health problems like chronic bronchitis, aggravated asthma and premature death.

In a typical coal plant these dangerous chemicals and irritants can be releases in huge quantities:

A Typical Coal Plant

A typical 500-megawatt coal plant produces 3.5 billion kilowatt hours per year – enough to power a city of about 140,000 people.

It burns 1.4 million tons of coal (the equivalent of 40 train cars of coal each day) and uses 2.2 billion gallons of water each year. In an average year, this one plant also generates the following:

·       10,000 tons of sulfur dioxide

·       10,200 tons of nitrogen oxide, equivalent to half a million late-model cars

·       3.7 million tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to cutting down 100 million trees

·       500 tons of small particles

·       220 tons of hydrocarbons

·       720 tons of carbon monoxide

·       125,000 pounds of ash and 193,000 pounds of sludge from the smokestack scrubber

·       170 pounds of mercury, 225 pounds of arsenic, 114 pounds of lead, 4 pounds of cadmium, and other toxic heavy metals

·       Trace amounts of uranium.

Large particles (10 microns in diameter) are regulated by the clean air act. In 1997, the Environment Protection Agency published a new rule limiting emissions of fine particles (2.5 microns). States have until 2005 to 2008 to submit plans to the EPA for meeting the standard, and another 12 years to actually comply. (UCS, 1999) Even with these new standards, the amounts allowed by the EPA can still cause irreversible damage. Also the lower amounts can even still cause major health problems. With the clear evidence of global warming and the mounting environmental and health problems associated with the use of fossil fuels, along with its rapidly declining availability it is clear that a shift needs to be made towards renewable energy resources such as wind power. Renewable energy resources could provide many immediate environmental benefits by avoiding the mass pollution caused by renewable resources.

With all of the evidence it is conclusive that most people are in agreement with wind power as an alternative energy. And as we reach closer and closer to the tipping point of global warming, now is the time to pursue alternatives to costly fossil fuels. Wind Energy as an alternative to fossil fuels is an attractive one and one that should be highly considered.

 

Works Cited

BARRINGER, FELICITY. Debate Over Wind Power Creates Environmental Rift. 6 June 2006. December 2011. <http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/06/us/06wind.html>.

Department of Trade and Industry. Wind Power: Environmental and Safety Issues. n.d. December 2011. <http://taec.co.uk/Documents/Turbines%20&%20Environmental%20Health.pdf>.

Eneco. Supporting arguments for wind energy. n.d. December 2011. <http://corporateuk.eneco.nl/News_and_Media/wind_file/windenergy/Pages/Supportingargumentsforwindenergy.aspx#>.

Noble Environmental Power, LLC. Are Modern Wind Turbines Noisy? n.d. December 2011. <http://www.noblepower.com/faqs/documents/06-08-23NEP-SoundFromWindTurbines-FS5-G.pdf>.

RenewableUK. Top 7 Wind Farm Myths Dispelled. June 2010. December 2011. <http://www.bwea.com/pdf/briefings/top7myths.pdf>.

—. Wind Farms and Tourism. June 2010. December 2011. <http://www.bwea.com/pdf/briefings/tourism.pdf>.

Rosenbloom, Eric. A Problem with Wind Power. September 2006. December 2011. <http://www.aweo.org/problemwithwind.html>.

The British Wind Energy Association. Benifits of Wind Energy. July 2004. December 2011. <http://www.bwea.com/pdf/briefings/benefits.pdf>.

The British Wind Energy Assosication. Public Attitudes to Wind Energy in the UK. October 2005. December 2011. <http://www.bwea.com/pdf/briefings/attitudes05-small.pdf>.

West Wales ECO Centre. 10 Arguments explained. 2007. December 2011. <http://www.climatechangewales.org.uk/public/?id=110>.

WWF. Anti-wind power arguments blown away! 8 July 2009. December 2011. <http://www.wwf.org.uk/news_feed.cfm?3144/Anti-wind-power-arguments-blown-away>.