Are wind farms economical?

Wind energy is an economical energy source and increasingly provides the cheapest electricity available in many parts of the US and Canada. Over the last decade, costs have decreased by 70%. Wind farms generate millions of dollars in lease payments to local landowners over their lifetimes, creating a new steady income stream to ensure that local farms and ranches can be passed on to the next generation even as commodity prices are unstable. Federal tax policy has helped the renewable energy industry flourish, generating new jobs and local tax revenue in rural communities across the United States. Even without the federal production tax credit, the industry is poised for long-term growth. Furthermore, wind farm energy generation is not subject to the same market volatility and other market variables compared to fossil fuels, whose prices fluctuate significantly over time.

Does wind’s variability make it less efficient?

The power grid already manages variability, as customer demand changes throughout the day. Wind energy only marginally increases variability on the production side of the power system. In many regions, most changes in wind energy output are cancelled out by opposite changes in electricity demand or other sources of supply. Using their sophisticated controls and power electronics, modern wind farms can provide the same or better grid reliability services as conventional fossil fuel power plants. Furthermore, advances in energy storage technology are improving operators’ ability to mitigate the intermittency of renewables without burning fossil fuel.

Does wind energy receive energy incentives?

Yes. All forms of energy, including oil and gas, coal, nuclear, and renewables, receive federal support. Wind’s primary incentive is the Production Tax Credit (PTC), a performance-based incentive that reduces the tax burden on private investment. With tax relief, investment in clean wind energy is encouraged, providing communities billions in local and state taxes.

How long does it take a wind turbine to pay for its own carbon footprint?

The manufacturing of turbines and the construction of wind farms produce a certain amount of carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions. Studies have shown an average wind turbine makes up for its carbon footprint within five to seven months of operation and generates zero carbon electricity for the remainder of its 20 to 30-year lifespan. Moreover, this footprint will shrink even further with the improvement of new technologies in the future.

Are wind turbines recycled?

At present, 90% of most wind turbines’ components are recyclable. However, we believe we can do more. We are actively engaging with industry groups, universities, manufacturers and suppliers to develop commercial-scale solutions for sustainable blade end-of-life management, such as recycling blade material into fiberglass pellets, as well as other industrial or repurposed new life applications. The company is also helping to lead this effort through a global challenge to advance solutions for blade end-of-life reuse and recycling.

What’s the average age of a wind farm? What happens when a turbine reaches end of life?

Our wind farms have a typical lifespan of 25 years or more, and repowering projects can extend them even further. A wind operator may repower a plant by refurbishing turbine components or decommission a plant by dismantling all components and restoring land to its original condition. To protect landowners, Enel Green Power leases include decommissioning requirements that oblige us to bear the cost of restoring the project area. Learn more about our commitments to landowners.

Do wind plants impact the environment?

Our team of experts carefully design projects to minimize environmental impacts. We also coordinate with regulatory bodies to secure all necessary environmental permits. We burn no fossil fuel, require no transportation for fuel, and use no water. Wind farms do not create carbon dioxide or any other emissions when they generate electricity.

How much land does a wind farm occupy?

Each turbine takes up less than half an acre, so farmers and ranchers can still use their land for its original purpose while also receiving wind energy revenue. Lease payments are made to local landowners for the use of their land, providing landowners with a steady income stream, which allows local farms and ranches to be passed onto the next generations even as commodity prices become unstable.

Do wind plants impact birds?

Enel Green Power collaborates with environmental groups dedicated to the conservation of species, such as birds and bats. There are strict environmental standards that wind farms in the US must meet and report on annually. Sound instruments, radar and thermal imaging are means used in the wind industry to protect wildlife. In fact, wind power’s impact on bird mortality and migration is extremely small when compared to other human-related sources, such as collisions with buildings and communications towers, vehicle strikes and habitat conversion. Overall, wind causes less than 1% of all human-related bird deaths in the United States. More than 90% of wind farms have zero eagle impacts. Learn more from AWEA.

Do wind plants impact wildlife?

Wind energy helps preserve a habitable environment for all animals. By avoiding toxic fossil fuel emissions, wind power promotes clean air and water for wildlife. Wind energy has been endorsed by leading environmental and wildlife groups, and we diligently study wildlife patterns to design projects that minimize potential impacts. We work with organizations such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Minnesota Native Landscapes (MNL) to invest in research and development on wildlife projects.

Do wind plants impact human health?

There has never been a scientific, peer-reviewed, medical study that has linked wind turbines to any adverse health effects. Rather, our transition to renewable energy will avoid additional carbon and other air pollutant emissions linked to public health concerns, as well as reduce water usage often necessary to operate fossil fuel power plants.

Do wind plants create sound issues?

Sound pressure levels for wind turbines at distances greater than 1,312 feet are less than 40 decibels, no louder than the lowest limit of urban ambient sound or a household refrigerator. Wind farm developers must comply with sound level regulations during the permit process and address any sound issues. There has never been a scientific, peer-reviewed, medical study that has linked wind turbine sound to any adverse health effects.

How are wind plants addressing shadow flicker?

Wind turbines are designed to coexist with existing land use and minimize impacts to neighbors. Any “shadow flicker” from rotating blades in a particular area is generally minimized to a few hours per year. There has never been a scientific, peer-reviewed, medical study that has linked shadow flicker to any adverse health effects.

FAQ about Wind Energy in the USA and Canada

Facts about Wind Energy

Communities across the US and Canada are taking advantage of clean, renewable wind energy to make our power supply more sustainable. Due to multiple factors, including new end-of-life innovations, state, local and federal regulations, and improved efficiency in next-generation technologies, investment in wind energy is growing.

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Facts about Wind Energy

Facts about Wind Energy

Are wind farms economical?

Does wind’s variability make it less efficient?

Does wind energy receive energy incentives?

How long does it take a wind turbine to pay for its own carbon footprint?

Are wind turbines recycled?

What’s the average age of a wind farm? What happens when a turbine reaches end of life?

Do wind plants impact the environment?

How much land does a wind farm occupy?

Do wind plants impact birds?

Do wind plants impact wildlife?

Do wind plants impact human health?

Do wind plants create sound issues?

How are wind plants addressing shadow flicker?

Landowners

Would you like to work at Enel Green Power?