In a time when energy dependency on foreign countries is straining domestic politics around the world, many countries are looking to offshore wind farms as a possibility. Great Britain and the United States are just two of those countries investing money and time into researching the option of using wind generated power to supplement their countries' power consumption.
Offshore wind farms are literally farms of large wind turbines lined in rows much like an agricultural fruit or nut farm. The turbines are placed in relatively shallow water close to shore to minimize costs and allow a connection with land power lines to deliver the energy. Onshore wind generating power farms already populate rural plains in the United States. California has had wind farms for over 30 years. The power generated by wind is an addition to other sources of power. Because wind on land is intermittent it is not ideal for complete power production.
The sea floor off the coast of the United Kingdom is ideal for its shallow depth. In the United States the most ideal spot for a massive wind farm would be off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts where there is a gradual slope of the ocean floor. The pacific coast of the United States would be a much costlier location due to the steep drop off and canyons in the ocean floor.
Offshore wind farms are attractive mainly because of the weather conditions produced by the ocean. Strong winds are regularly experienced, larger turbines can be installed and so more energy can be produced. On shore wind farms are also attractive for midland states like Montana and Kentucky where winds howl off the plains.
Wind power has the capacity to produce more than 100 billion kilowatt hours worldwide yearly. The main hindrance to this wind generated power technologies lies in the cost of the turbines. The rate at which the turbines pay themselves off however is faster than any other power producing mechanism.
Denmark has led the way in wind generated power and encouraged participation from countries like the U.S. and the U.K. There is great hope that wind generated power can create energy independence for developing nations Like Africa and Nicaragua.
Wind generated power projects are generally funded by governments and non governmental organizations world wide. Employment outlooks for this sector are increasing especially with the U.S. President Obama committing more funding to the industries of alternative energy production. The American Wind Energy Associate estimates that 4.8 jobs will be created for every 1 mega watt of wind power installed.
Offshore wind farms are literally farms of large wind turbines lined in rows much like an agricultural fruit or nut farm. The turbines are placed in relatively shallow water close to shore to minimize costs and allow a connection with land power lines to deliver the energy. Onshore wind generating power farms already populate rural plains in the United States. California has had wind farms for over 30 years. The power generated by wind is an addition to other sources of power. Because wind on land is intermittent it is not ideal for complete power production.
The sea floor off the coast of the United Kingdom is ideal for its shallow depth. In the United States the most ideal spot for a massive wind farm would be off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts where there is a gradual slope of the ocean floor. The pacific coast of the United States would be a much costlier location due to the steep drop off and canyons in the ocean floor.
Offshore wind farms are attractive mainly because of the weather conditions produced by the ocean. Strong winds are regularly experienced, larger turbines can be installed and so more energy can be produced. On shore wind farms are also attractive for midland states like Montana and Kentucky where winds howl off the plains.
Wind power has the capacity to produce more than 100 billion kilowatt hours worldwide yearly. The main hindrance to this wind generated power technologies lies in the cost of the turbines. The rate at which the turbines pay themselves off however is faster than any other power producing mechanism.
Denmark has led the way in wind generated power and encouraged participation from countries like the U.S. and the U.K. There is great hope that wind generated power can create energy independence for developing nations Like Africa and Nicaragua.
Wind generated power projects are generally funded by governments and non governmental organizations world wide. Employment outlooks for this sector are increasing especially with the U.S. President Obama committing more funding to the industries of alternative energy production. The American Wind Energy Associate estimates that 4.8 jobs will be created for every 1 mega watt of wind power installed.
About the Author:
Is wind electricity the solution for everyone to be electricity self sufficient? Some parts of the country have enough reliable wind to make enough electricity to serve everyones needs.
No comments:
Post a Comment