Wind Energy
Background Information
Introduction
Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing forms of electric power generation. The
search for pollution-free, sustainable energy has promoted this industry worldwide.
Additionally, tax incentives for new wind installations in the U.S. have resulted in
substantial growth in the industry. This nation ranks first in the world for wind
electricity generation. Wind energy accounts for approximately 1% of our electricity
supply. Texas leads the U.S. for generating wind energy electric power.
Pennsylvania is the leader in the eastern states. The Department of Energy is
examining the feasibility of using wind energy to generate 20% of the nation’s
electricity by the year 2030. The outlook for increasing the number of wind power
plants and wind power technology around the world looks imminent.
Wind Energy Basics
Wind is caused by the uneven heating of the earth’s surface. Simply, wind can be
defined as “moving air.” The wind’s energy has been used to do work throughout
history from moving sailboats to generating electricity. Simple windmills, used for
hundreds of years, were the primary technology that led to the modern wind turbines
of today. The moving blades on a windmill rotate as the wind blows, turning a shaft
or rod that can pump or crush something. Windmills of long ago were made to pump
water and grind grain into flour. Small windmills were used in the 1920’s to generate
electricity in remote locations which did not have electric service.