|
CLICK HERE FOR INDEX PAGE |
|
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF WIND POWER |
V. Ryan © 2005 - 2009 |
|
PDF FILE -
CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE WORKSHEET |
|
|
ADVANTAGES OF WIND POWER: |
|
|
1. The wind is
free and with modern technology it can be captured efficiently.
2. Once the wind turbine is built
the energy it produces does not cause green house gases or other
pollutants.
3. Although wind turbines can be
very tall each takes up only a small plot of land. This means that the
land below can still be used. This is especially the case in
agricultural areas as farming can still continue.
4. Many people find wind farms an
interesting feature of the landscape.
5. Remote areas that are not
connected to the electricity power grid can use wind turbines to produce
their own supply.
6. Wind turbines have a role to play
in both the developed and third world.
7. Wind turbines are available in a
range of sizes which means a vast range of people and businesses can use
them. Single households to small towns and villages can make good use of
range of wind turbines available today. |
|
|
|
|
|
DISADVANTAGES OF WIND POWER: |
|
|
|
1. The strength
of the wind is not constant and it varies from zero to storm force. This
means that wind turbines do not produce the same amount of electricity
all the time. There will be times when they produce no electricity at
all.
2. Many people feel that the
countryside should be left untouched, without these large structures
being built. The landscape should left in its natural form for everyone
to enjoy.
3. Wind turbines are noisy. Each one
can generate the same level of noise as a family car travelling at 70
mph.
4. Many people see large wind
turbines as unsightly structures and not pleasant or interesting to look
at. They disfigure the countryside and are generally ugly.
5. When wind turbines are being
manufactured some pollution is produced. Therefore wind power does
produce some pollution.
6. Large wind farms are needed to
provide entire communities with enough electricity. For example, the
largest single turbine available today can only provide enough
electricity for 475 homes, when running at full capacity. How many would
be needed for a town of 100 000 people? |
|
|
|
|
|
CLICK HERE FOR TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT INDEX PAGE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|