About Wind Energy

Wind Energy’s Success

According to American Wind Energy Association’s (AWEA) 2016 Annual Market Report, the “success of the U.S. wind industry has had a ripple effect on the American economy, supporting a jobs growth rate nine times faster than the average industry. In 2016 there was a record high of more than 100,000 Americans employed in the wind industry with nearly 15,000 full-time jobs added in 2016 alone.”

This report also found that by year-end 2016, the U.S. had 82,143 megawatts of total installed wind capacity, with more than 52,000 utility-scale wind turbines in operation. This amount of installed capacity could power up to 24 million average U.S. homes each year.

How Wind Works

Wind turbines are designed to capture the natural power of the wind in our atmosphere and convert it into electricity. People started utilizing wind power centuries ago by using windmills to pump water and grind grain. Today’s wind turbine is a highly evolved version of a windmill. The electricity generated from a single wind turbine can power hundreds of homes.

Low Cost Wind

American wind power saves consumers money. Adding wind energy to the generation mix reduces electricity prices, helps protect against future price shocks, and makes the energy market more competitive.

According to AWEA, between 2009 and 2016 the cost of wind energy has dropped 66%. These lower prices allow power purchasers to “lock-in” predictable, steady rates for the life of the power purchase contract, thereby allowing these companies to hedge against volatile, carbon-intensive fuel markets.

According to an AWEA 2015 report, wind power saved consumers at least $1 billion over just two days across the Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic states during the 2014 “Polar Vortex” event.

Environmental Benefits

We work with appropriate staff at the local, state and federal levels ensuring regulations are followed during all phases of the project.

Zero Emissions

Unlike other sources of electricity that produce harmful emissions and contribute to global climate change, wind energy is a clean, renewable energy source.

AWEA’S FACTS ON WIND & EMISSIONS

ADDITIONAL WIND & EMISSIONS RESOURCE

Water

Wind energy uses 500 times less water than traditional energy sources.

AWEA’S FACTS ON WIND & WATER