Sierra Blogging Post Archives

This is good news for alternative energy - the U.S. is now the leading generator of wind power in the world. This distinction came early as predictions were that we wouldn't lead the world in wind power until 2009.

According to the Green Blog, wind power production is growing faster here than anywhere abroad. There is tremendous potential for energy if we can harness and distribute the wind energy that flows freely across the plains (and deserts and mountains and coastal areas).



Via the Green Blog...

But Randall Swisher, the executive director of the American Wind Energy Association, said that “the difference is that because the winds are so much stronger here in the U.S. we are actually providing more wind-generated electricity than Germany.” He also said that the US “wind energy capacity is growing faster than anyplace else.”

This is great news, but the USA is still far behind everyone else in terms of green renewable energy, especially wind energy.

For example in Germany wind power accounts for 7% of their total energy. And the even smaller country Denmark gets 20% of its energy from wind power. USA is awfully behind with only 1.2%.

“We need to back away from fossil fuel and embrace renewable energy. The survival of the world depends on it,” said Randall Swisher.

The problem with wind power is that our energy grid isn't set up to distribute it - and it's an intermittent resource. It will cost money to fit the system for wind power - but it's money that would be well spent. While we could never rely on it for 100% of our energy needs, it could account for much more than it is now. It's time to utilize more wind power (and solar power, but that's another post).

To support wind power production in your area, check with your utilities provider. Many now have the option of adding wind power to the grid.