Wind generation is a regional economic asset that provides long-term, low-cost, clean, sustainable energy. A typical sized wind turbine is as tall as a 30-story building and may cost about $3.5 million to install. Electricity production from this size turbine will be roughly enough energy to supply 600 average U.S. households.

Currently, Minnesota ranks 4th in the U.S. in wind energy production. Years ago, the installation of large wind turbines that provide power to electric companies and consumers was primarily concentrated in California.  Now, the farming regions of Minnesota and Iowa have emerged as major growth areas, followed by Texas, Wyoming, Colorado, and Wisconsin.

Wind Turbines

Most turbines have two or three blades that rotate when the wind is blowing. The blades are connected to the nacelle that houses the main components of the turbine such as the controller, the gearbox, and the generator.

Towers are usually 60-80 meters high (195 to 260 feet) and are anchored in concrete. They are generally made of steel.

Location of the turbine site is critical. Wind velocity, consistency, and speed must all be taken into account. The best onshore locations tend to be hilltops, ridges, and coastlines. Offshore wind farms are also becoming more common.

Electricity production

The U.S. Department of Energy has a goal of wind providing 20% of U.S. electricity by 2030. Meeting this goal will require an increase This growth represents an increase of almost 300 giga watts (GW) of power in about 20 years.

OTHER ALTERNATIVE RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER SOURCES:

Solar Power   |  Wind Power |  BioFuels   |  BioMass and Bio Gas  |  Conservation & Efficiency