Wind Power:A Renewable Source of Energy

Wind Energy: A Viable Alternative

Wind has been used for energy in the past by sailing ships which used wind to propel the ship along in the absence of any other fuels available. Since then, wind power has not been used in any significant way until recently when it has been evolving as an alternative energy source in the context of dwindling fossil fuel and other energy supplies. Turbines have become an integral part of the landscape in many places and the power they generate is both clean and free. Harnessing wind power for industrial and domestic purposes is an evolving phenomenon and a welcome one in terms of it's positive impact on the environment there being no harmful emissions from it like there is with the use of fossil fuels.

It may be much less expensive to get connected to electricity in the conventional way but after that one has to budget for the bills for this service often on a monthly basis. A wind turbine is initially much more expensive to install and get connected to but the difference is you then have a free power source with no bills in the future. There is also the advantage of being independent from the conventional electricity service so there is no risk of power cuts. Having free electricity without the bills is a great advantage even when the cost of the initial outlay is considered.

Fuel bills in general and electricity bills in particular are on the increase all the time whereas the cost of wind-powered energy is zero. The financial investment of installing and connecting a wind turbine is decreasing all the time as the companies producing turbines are becoming more successful.

Furthermore, there is ongoing research to improve the technology of wind turbines, making them more efficient and user-friendly at the same time. Many people want to move away from the conventional methods of getting electricity from fossil fuels to give themselves more independence and choice when meeting their needs for electricity. Of course there are also people who are in favour of alternative ways of generating electricity for environmental reasons. Wind energy is of particular interest to those who want to live more rurally without having to do without the comforts and benefits that being connected to a supply of electricity brings.

This trend away from conventional electricity supply sources is having a positive effect on the wind energy industry, giving more jobs in this area of expertise as well as more profits. The other positive outcome of increased interest in this area is that the price of installing and connecting a wind turbine continues to come down, making it a more affordable alternative all the time for the average consumer. There is also a system in operation in some countries where the extra energy generated by a domestic wind turbine can be sold to the supplier of conventional electricity. In these instances, homeowners with wind turbines installed are actually making a profit from the electricity company which is in direct contrast to the position they were in as consumers when they had to pay bills from the power company.

It is also common in many jurisdictions to give grant incentives to homeowners to install and connect wind turbines for their electricity needs. All this is evolving on an ongoing basis as wind farms are also becoming popular with power companies as a way of generating electricity.

Wind energy as a fossil fuel alternative uses very little land, is widely available, clean and efficient. With all these advantages it is likely to continue becoming a popular means for generating power.

I wonder what those sailors in their wind-driven ships would think of our modern-day use of this clean, reliable, efficient energy source?