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 Wide open spaces, windy land and power lines to carry electricity to population centers are key ingredients to further wind development. States like Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas are just beginning to tap into their wind power potential.  Download detailed wind farms table (PDF format). WHY WIND? Wind power's benefits are many:
Performance advances Wind energy costs have decreased with economies of scale and technology advances. Wind farms in the ERCOT and SPP regions are some of the largest in the world – up to 500 MW in size. In just eight years, the largest turbine in Texas increased by a factor of 10 – from .3 MW in 1995 to 3 MW in 2003. On new wind farms in Texas and neighboring states, each turbine generates enough to power hundreds of houses. Improved siting and reliability is also enhancing the performance, meaning more power is produced per turbine. Energy cost predictability Wind power is an affordable source of electrical energy, especially when developed in conjunction with the federal wind production tax credit. Unlike fossil fuel generation, much of the cost of wind power is for upfront capital expenses; fuel over the life of the wind plant is free. Wind energy prices may be locked-in for years with little exposure to risks such as environmental compliance, energy security or fuel price fluctuation. Wind power is a natural complement to existing electric generation; use of wind energy can save money for consumers and help extend the availability of precious fossil resources. Naturally clean As wind displaces fossil fuel generation, air emissions and water usage by power plants are reduced, providing an environmental solution to pollution reduction. Economic driver Wind farms have brought new economic life to regions where they are sited, including jobs and residual income. Much of the expertise developed in the oil patch is applicable in wind farm construction, including roads and foundations construction, steel fabrication, communications and heavy transportation. Wind farms pay royalties to landowners and support local governments. Wind farm siting Wind turbines share land, water and air space with a variety of wildlife. While more than 95% of land on wind farms is free for other uses, the wind industry is sensitive to environmental impacts. The Coalition works with environmental groups on siting guidelines to reduce adverse effects. For information particular to avian issues, download this factsheet. |
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