The power of wind to power homes and industries is underestimated by the world. Wind energy is plentiful, renewable, widely distributed, clean, and reduces toxic atmospheric and greenhouse gas emissions if used to replace fossil-fuel-derived electricity. The intermittency of wind seldom creates problems when using wind power at low to moderate penetration levels.
Germany ranks first when it comes to harnessing wind energy, followed by Spain and the US. Wind power projects require low capital costs and low maintenance costs comparatively making it an attractive proposition for investors.
In an effort to show its green power commitments, authorities in the U.S have made alternative energy purchases as one of the top priorities. Montgomery County Penn will be the first American County that will be powered with 100 percent wind energy.
The County has decided to purchase 29,391 megawatt hours of wind powered electricity which could power 2,700 homes. Around seven 380 foot tall wind turbines are required to produce this amount of power.
And by doing so, guess the effect it would have on the environment? Well, it’s the same as planting more than 16,000 acres of trees or taking 3,700 cars off the road!
The wind-powered electricity would be purchased from PECO, an electric and natural gas utility subsidiary of Exelon Corporation based in Philedelphia.
