Advantages and Disadvantages of Wind Energy - Wind Solar Alliance

Though the installation of wind turbines requires a lot of work and is very expensive, the cost of operation is reasonably low when considered. Unlike the oil and gas exploration system that demands a lot of money for exploration and refining, energy production through wind comes freely from the wind and costs low for maintenance.

The US recorded massive economic declination and currency devaluation due to the refusal of the oil-producing countries to sell to the United States. This shows that there is a need to look for another source of energy that will reduce the overreliance on oil and prevent the 1973 experience. Wind energy is generated within the country; hence, there is no foreign supply required

The job opportunities that exist within renewable energy are massive. The installment and operation of wind energy require several skills and workers, which directly provide numerous job positions for both high school and college graduates. There are also attractive salaries for workers due to heavy investment going into development regularly.

Wind energy is generated through the wind, though this means the source of energy is free, it also means that this energy depends extensively on the speed of the wind. Weather instead of demand is a determining factor regarding how much energy can be generated by wind turbines. If the wind is low, the turbines will not spin fast enough to generate more power.

Wind turbines are built high up to ensure that they can capture more wind as required for production. However, this installation can disrupt the aesthetic of the scenic landscape. Also, though wind energy is free of air pollution and is considered environmentally friendly, this energy source produces a lot of noise during operation. When the wind turbines rotate, it generates a lot of noise and can disturb the nearby environment.

Though there is a lot of potentials to tap in the wind energy sector, the amount of power generated from this source is still questionable. Despite years of development, as of 2020, the United States recorded merely 8.4% of total electricity generated from wind energy . This means there is a whopping 91.6% of houses to be covered. It also shows that wind energy may not be enough to guarantee an uninterrupted electricity supply in the country and thus cannot be a major power source in the United States.

When we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of a particular sector, the obvious question is whether the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. If the answer is yes, there is practically no delay. All sources of power come with drawbacks and advantages. However, it is apparent that wind energy can serve the United States better despite its benefits.

Particular reference needs to be made to the fact that environmental safety, which is of paramount importance in the US, is one of the advantages of wind energy.