According to the American Wind Energy Association, the United States is now the leader in wind energy production. Wind energy in 2008 has risen and current wind power capacity is rated at 19,549MW, an increase of 2,726MW from 2007. Germany currently has a wind power capacity of about 23,000MW, but generates less power due to stronger winds in the U.S.

The AEWA also projects that by end of year 2008, some 7,500MW of wind power capacity will be brought online in the United States. This projected capacity demonstrates a 45% increase from 2007. Recent fossil fuel prices and tax incentives have provided a prime environment for wind energy related projects.

One issue causing wind projects to be rushed before the end of 2008, is the uncertainty of federal tax incentives and rebates that are set to expire late 2008. Without these credits, the future of new wind energy projects is in jeopardy. Recent jobs and businesses catering to the wind power industry will have to be scaled back without the benefits experienced in 2008, extended throughout 2009. Though, financial burdens will first be absorbed by the wind industry, these high costs will be passed on to consumers, and create a recess of clean energy production.

AWEA Executive Director Randall Swisher stated, “At a time when unemployment is at a 4-year high and the economy needs every stimulus it can get, a rapid extension of the credit should be on any economic priority list for Congress.”

Congress must look to clean energy solutions to help rebuild an economy that threatens the livelihoods of millions of Americans. In addition to providing jobs, wind power can help secure America’s Independence from foreign sources of electricity. The United States has an opportunity to lead the world into new innovating ways of producing energy and electricity, provided U.S. leaders provide incentives to expand the renewable energy infrastructure.

There are currently many wind power myths associated with this type of alternative energy that may be contributing to the slow production of new wind farms. By addressing each issue we can begin to filter out the bad information from the legitimate concerns facing one of the most beneficial alternative energies.

1. Wind energy is more expensive than traditional fossil fuels.
Though using wind to generate electricity can raise the operating costs of a particular company, studies have shown this is a relatively small increase. A study done by the Colorado Public
Service Commission about the effects of a large wind farm, reported that this technology was the cheapest alternative energy model proposed. Furthermore, with the increase in the price of oil and violate possibilities of the future, wind energy proves to be on par with current operating costs. Not to mention, the damage to the environment will cost much more to repair than spending a bit more up front to prevent long term environmental damage.

2. Tax breaks and incentives are the only way to produce wind energy on par with current economics.
True, but nearly all energy sources receive tax breaks and subsidies from federal funding. Why would wind energy and alternative energy be any different.

3. Unpredictability of wind energy requires backup power generation.
No current energy source is reliable 100% of the time. By increasing and weaving the current power grid to other forms of alternative energy and current backup energy sources, near 100% reliability can be achieved. Though relying totally on wind energy is not viable at this moment, expanding our current power grids to include 25-50% wind power generation is not far fetched.

4. By migrating our current coal energy plants to wind, consumers will experience rate increases.
Studies in New York have shown that wind energy is nearly the same rates as current technologies. In fact, some areas experienced a decline in rates. Lower fuel costs could follow the decrease in reliance on fossil fuels for electricity. The bottom line, wind is a cheap and healthy alternative energy.

5. Wind turbines are dangerous to birds and the environment.
Just the opposite. With the exception of Altamont Pass in California, wind energy has been able to be implemented without affecting the local wildlife. Birds can and do navigate the slow moving turbine blades effectively. Fossil fuels and greenhouse gases cause more destruction to wildlife and nature than a traditional wind turbine. With newer innovations and technologies to wind turbine design, this will become a non-issue.

By addressing the concerns of alternative energy sources, we can begin to arrive at an effective, cheap, and renewable energy that will help to reduce our effect on the environment.

More Wind Energy Myths

For some basic information about wind energy and how it works. Visit the Energy Information Administration website. Though it is designed with children in mind, this is a great site to learn the basics.

Also, T. Boone Pickens has started a website dedicated to expanding the wind energy sector. Some very good information and networking opportunities. Visit the Pickens Plan Website.