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Here are some helpful links about Wind and Renewable Energy.
"Wind Power Basics"
Click on questions to toggle view of answers:
Why wind?
Wind energy is a renewable, clean, and non-polluting (zero emissions) source of mechanical energy that can be converted into electrical energy by a wind turbine. This electrical energy can then be used on the US electric grid to power homes, businesses, schools, farms, etc.
How does a wind turbine work?
Wind turbines convert the mechanical energy of wind into electrical energy that can be used by consumers in the form of electricity.
Wind blows over the blades causing lift, which is then translated into rotational motion. This rotational motion turns a shaft inside the turbine, which induces a changing magnetic field in the generator. This changing magnetic field generates a current. The current is generated at a known voltage, which is transformed into an appropriate voltage. Electricity can then be transported onto nearby power lines.
Are wind turbines noisy?
No, wind turbines only run when the wind is blowing. Noise generated by modern wind turbines is masked by the noise of the blowing wind. For more information, please see the AWEA fact sheet "Utility Scale Wind Energy and Sound"
Do wind turbines harm bird populations and other wildlife?
Birds do occasionally collide with wind turbines. Modern wind farms have a very small impact on bird populations when compared to bird deaths due to domestic cats, tall buildings, airplanes, vehicles, radio towers, etc. For more information on wind farms and wildlife, please see the fact sheets from AWEA "Wind Energy and Wildlife" and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Do wind turbines negatively impact human health?
Thousands of people around the world have lived near and amongst wind turbines in many countries for many years. To date, there is no scientific peer-reviewed evidence indicating a negative impact on human health due to turbines. For more information, please see the AWEA fact sheet "Wind Turbines and Health".
Do wind farms negatively impact housing values?
No, wind farms have no appreciable impact on home values. For more information, please see a recent study from researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory funded by the US Department of Energy "The Impact of Wind Power Projects on Residential Property Values in the United States: A Multi-Site Hedonic Analysis"
