Cassie West and Shameka Marshall

How does wind energy occur? Wind is a form of solar energy caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere by the sun Wind turbines are used to convert kinetic wind energy into mechanical power, which is then converted into electricity Simple concept – Wind turns propeller-like blades around a rotor. The rotor is connected to a main shaft, which spins a generator to create electricity. 1 The kinetic wind energy is transformed into mechanical energy, which in turn creates electricity.

History One of the earliest forms of energy used. Wind was utilized to propel boats down the Nile river as early as 5000 B.C A.D. – First vertical axis windmill used in China to pump water and grind grain. 14 th century – Europeans utilized horizontal shaft and tower windmills Industrial Revolution began the decline of the popularity of windmills The steam engine replaced water pumping mills 1930’s – Rural Electricification Program brings inexpensive electric power to most of U.S.

Advantages 1. Renewable Wind energy is 100% renewable and limitless 2. Green No pollutants emitted from wind turbines 3. Domestic Potential No imported net product Creates jobs domestically 4. Low Operational Costs 5. Decreasing Prices Prices have decreased 80% since 1980 Due to technological advancements

Cost of Wind Energy

Disadvantages 1. Unpredictability Wind is unpredictable and we are currently unable store it in a cost-effective way 2. Upfront costs 1. Depending on the size of the wind farm, it can range from $10 to $600 million 3. Threat to wildlife Estimates of 10,000 to 440,000 birds and bats killed annually by turbines 4. Noise and Aesthetics

Production Tax Credit (PTC) U.S. Federal Government subsidy for renewable energy Developed in 1992 and provides a per Kilowatt tax credit for renewable energy for the first 10 years Has increased from $.015 / Kwh (1992) to approx. $.022 / Kwh Has expired 3 times since 1992 and has had to be reinstated

Questions?