Why Wind?

According to the 2020 Levelized Cost of Energy Analysis developed by Lazard, onshore wind energy is the lowest cost new energy resource compared to other renewable and conventional power technologies. Wind and other renewable energy sources offer a natural hedge against volatile fuel prices.

Wind Energy’s Success

According to American Wind Energy Association's (AWEA) 2019 Annual Market Report, the rapid expansion and success of the U.S. wind industry in America is delivering economic growth, jobs, clean energy, and a diverse power mix. In 2019, there was a record high of more than 120,000 Americans employed in the wind industry.

Today the U.S. has more than 109,000 megawatts of operating wind capacity across 41 states, making wind the largest source of renewable energy in the country.

How Wind Works

Wind turbines are made to capture natural power from the wind to convert to electricity, and the energy from a single turbine can power hundreds of homes. A standard wind turbine stands at about 262 feet and consists of a steel tower, three blades, and a nacelle in the center containing the shaft, gearbox, generator and controls. Wind blows through the turbine blades causing them to rotate, which spins a generator located in the turbine gearbox producing electricity.

Wind energy production is commonly measured by a Net Capacity Factor (NCF), which is the ratio of energy production over a given period of time. As the wind industry has grown, turbine technology has become more efficient and more affordable, allowing wind projects to become economically feasible and producing enough electricity to compete with traditional energy sources.

Environmental Benefits

We work with the appropriate stakeholders and agencies at the local, state and federal levels to ensure regulations are followed during all phases of the project. Environmental considerations are taken into careful account in the siting of project infrastructure and ensuring the minimum feasible impact is always the goal.

Zero Emissions

Unlike other sources of electricity that produce harmful emissions and contribute to global climate change, wind energy is a clean, renewable energy source.

AWEA’S FACTS ON WIND & EMISSIONS

Water

Wind energy saves over 528 gallons of water per megawatt-hour of produced electricity.

AWEA’S FACTS ON WIND & WATER