What is Wind Energy?

Technology

How does Wind Energy Work?

Wind energy is a very clean and fairly direct means of electricity production. The force of the wind rotates the blades of wind turbines which turn generators producing electrical current. Suitable sites for wind energy have steady winds averaging between 13 to 15 miles per hour or more. Geographic features such as shorelines, ridges, valleys and plains affect the wind and contribute to site suitability.

Why is Wind Energy the right solution for our needs?

Wind energy technology is very scalable. The size and number of wind turbines can be matched to energy production needs directly, from single, task specific wind powered generators to large farms of tall graceful windmills. Newly developed wind turbines provide power ranging from a home-sized few kilowatts to industrial-sized megawatts. Increasingly larger units are on the way. While some areas are better suited for wind production than others, good potential wind farm sites can be found throughout the country.

Why is Nevada uniquely positioned to provide Wind Energy in the future?

While not quite as compelling as some other areas of the country, Nevada has numerous sites rated with good to excellent potential for wind farms located throughout the State. It is estimated that 55 million megawatt hours of electricity per year could be generated using wind energy in Nevada. Developing these wind energy sites sooner rather later will hasten Nevada’s energy independence from out-of-state electricity producers and help reduce the carbon emissions of fossil fuel generators.

What are the challenges to providing Wind Energy in the future?

Wind speed is rarely constant so wind energy power production can vary. Secondary sources of energy are typically required to eliminate potential brownout conditions. Wind energy farms produce noise from the constant rotation of the blades and gears of the wind turbines. Wind energy farms can also affect local radar systems and fast moving blades can harm birds. The cost of wind energy power is still higher than that of fossil fuels, but it is decreasing. Lastly, as with all power sources, a cost-effective means of connecting to the electrical grid and transmitting the generated power is needed.