Our Planet is Blue, But Needs to Be Green
The idea to convert wind to power to do things is very old, used in Persia as early as 200 BC. The modern wind turbine is typically a three-bladed structure that is 200 to 300 feet in height. Wind turbines differ from wind mills. Wind mills are used to pump water or to grind grains; wind turbines generate electricity. This highly efficient machine is computer-controlled, with the blades spinning up to six times the actual speed of the wind.
The United States is Behind Europe in Wind Power
In terms of electricity production, the United States is way behind other countries. Denmark leads the world with 19% of its electricity being produced by wind turbines, followed by Spain with 9%. The United States produces less than 1% of its electricty from wind turbines, in spite of the fact that we have one of the best "wind belts" in the world.
Why Does this Matter?
Although wind turbines are not cheap to install, once they are producing electricity they pay for themselves in about 6 years. What makes wind power so unique is that it can't be held hostage by unfriendly countries, it will never run out, it does not produce pollution, it can't be "outsourced" to other countries and it keeps dollars and jobs here in the United States.
The United States is Behind Europe in Wind Power
In terms of electricity production, the United States is way behind other countries. Denmark leads the world with 19% of its electricity being produced by wind turbines, followed by Spain with 9%. The United States produces less than 1% of its electricty from wind turbines, in spite of the fact that we have one of the best "wind belts" in the world.
Why Does this Matter?
Although wind turbines are not cheap to install, once they are producing electricity they pay for themselves in about 6 years. What makes wind power so unique is that it can't be held hostage by unfriendly countries, it will never run out, it does not produce pollution, it can't be "outsourced" to other countries and it keeps dollars and jobs here in the United States.
What Can I do to help promote Wind Energy?
National movements such as the Pickens Plan (click here to go to the Pickens Plan web site) and the election of Barack Obama as the new President of the United States means that wind energy is finally getting the attention it deserves. You can support and promote wind energy by joining the Pickens Plan, writing to your local Congressional representative, your Senators and local government officials to stress the importance in the investment in wind energy.
Aren't Wind Turbines "Ugly"?
As is always true, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Many find wind turbines very majestic, others find them unattractive. Not all areas of the United States are suited for efficient wind energy production. The so-called "Wind Belt" runs from the Dakotas to Texas, much of which is sparsly populated.
Will the Wind Turbine Industry provide Jobs?
The wind turbine industry will provide thousands if not millions of new jobs that can't be outsourced or made obsolete. Factories will need to produce the wind turbines; technicians and constructions workers will need to install the turbines; technicians and mechanics will need to operate and maintain the turbines. These will be well paid jobs requiring individuals with specialized training. Click here to learn more about training opportunities for Green Economy jobs.
National movements such as the Pickens Plan (click here to go to the Pickens Plan web site) and the election of Barack Obama as the new President of the United States means that wind energy is finally getting the attention it deserves. You can support and promote wind energy by joining the Pickens Plan, writing to your local Congressional representative, your Senators and local government officials to stress the importance in the investment in wind energy.
Aren't Wind Turbines "Ugly"?
As is always true, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Many find wind turbines very majestic, others find them unattractive. Not all areas of the United States are suited for efficient wind energy production. The so-called "Wind Belt" runs from the Dakotas to Texas, much of which is sparsly populated.
Will the Wind Turbine Industry provide Jobs?
The wind turbine industry will provide thousands if not millions of new jobs that can't be outsourced or made obsolete. Factories will need to produce the wind turbines; technicians and constructions workers will need to install the turbines; technicians and mechanics will need to operate and maintain the turbines. These will be well paid jobs requiring individuals with specialized training. Click here to learn more about training opportunities for Green Economy jobs.
Don't be fooled by the current "cheap" oil prices...as fast as they have fallen, they will rise again.