If you’ve ever taken a drive through America’s heartland, you’ve probably noticed a wind farm or two. And it’s no surprise – wind power is the fastest-growing source of electricity in the world, not to mention that it’s an incredibly clean and inexpensive method of harnessing energy.
Learn more about wind technology and its future with these 10 fabulous facts about wind farms. If nothing else, you’ll be sure to impress your friends and family on your next cross-country road trip.
1. Wind Farms Are Ancient History
Dating back as early as 5,000 B.C., wind energy has been used to propel boats along the Nile River, pump water in ancient China, grind grain in Persia and drain lakes and marshes in Holland.
2. Wind Farms Are Breaking Records
California, Colorado, Texas and Washington have all recently broken wind power generation records and are producing thousands of megawatts of energy each year.
3. Wind Farms Are Clean
Wind farms only produce wind energy – no air or water pollution is created. This is something that other carbon-happy energy sources can’t put on their resume!
4. Wind Energy Is Very Cheap
Recent technological improvements have made the cost of producing wind energy extremely low – so low that wind energy customers can lock in 20 to 30 year electricity rates at very competitive prices.
5. Wind Farms Can Tame Hurricanes
A University of Delaware study simulated three major U.S. hurricanes and concluded that if wind turbines were installed just offshore, they would have significantly weakened the storms prior to making landfall. The turbines could have slowed the outer rotation winds of the hurricanes, which would have slowed the storms’ total winds and caused them to dissipate faster.
6. Wind Farms Aren’t Bad For Your Health
Despite some claims, doctors in Australia have stated that there is no reliable evidence to suggest that wind farms can make someone ill.
7. Wind Farms Are (Almost) Everywhere
Wind energy projects can be found throughout the world, in both small and large countries alike. Closer to home, wind farms are found all over Canada and in 39 U.S. states, plus Puerto Rico.
8. Wind Energy Will Save Water
Wind turbines don’t require water for operation, nor do they pollute our water system. In just 16 years, wind power in the U.S. will save 30 trillion bottles of water.
9. Wind Farms are Interesting to Google
Google has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in wind farm projects in Texas, Oregon, North Dakota and along the Eastern Seaboard.
10. You Can Support Wind Energy Easily
Purchase Renewable Energy Credits and support renewable energy from projects in North America.
Brought to you by terrapass.com
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