The Disadvantages of Wind Power

There are a number of very positive benefits to using wind power as an alternative energy source. While most will point to the fact that wind power does not cause pollution, there is also a pragmatic component to wind power some overlook. Namely, wind is available in abundance. That means the supply of renewable energy from such a source is endless. In turn, such abundance lowers the costs associated with creating an energy supply. This does lead to serious questions as to why wind power farms have not been more expansive considering the pollution free, cost savings benefits. The reason is there are a few common disadvantages associated with wind power as well. 

Have you ever walked outside and felt the breeze of the air? More than likely, you have and it probably delivered some nice feelings. Now, have you ever walked outside and NOT felt a breeze? You have probably experienced this as well. The moral here is that wind cannot always be the most reliable element. Sometimes it is windy and sometimes it is not. For a wind farm for generate energy, it needs a steady supply of strong wind gusts. Due to a lack of predictability with the wind, the ability to properly harness wind energy is questionable.

The ability for wind power to be generated is derived from the use of wind turbines. When the propeller-like blades of a turbine turn with the pressure of the wind, electricity is generated. While this is a somewhat amazing invention, it is not without its flaws. Namely, to use wind turbines the turbines will need to be placed on unobstructed fields. This does beg the question where one can find such real estate? In order to utilize the land for turbines, the land must be leased, rented, or purchased. That comes with enormous costs which can sometimes make wind farms financially unviable.

Additionally, the presence of wind farms can be problematic in urban areas. Ironically, it is these areas that would need wind farms the most since highly populated areas require significant energy expenditures. What problems do these wind farms present? First, turbines are not exactly quiet and they can create a lot of noise pollution throughout the day and evening. This can lead to more than a few complaints on the part of the populace. Also, turbines have a tendency to present, well, an eyesore and such an “attribute” does very little for real estate values. This is why many property owners will present objections to the placement of wind farms in the vicinity of their homes and businesses.

There will be a requirement to use fossil fuels in order to produce wind turbines and wind farms. That is something many people are unaware of but it remains an undeniable fact. The design, transportation, and construction of wind farms will require energy from oil and coal. There really is no way to avoid this because the energy to build the wind turbines has to come from currently available and established means.

Does this mean than wind turbines are a poor choice as an alternative energy source? No, what it means is that one needs to be a realist when it comes to wind energy and that means disadvantages must be explored as well as advantages.