Advantages & Disadvantages Of Wind Energy

Excessive heating of earth due to burning of fossil fuels have forced people across the globe to generate power through wind. It is being used extensively in areas like USA, Denmark, spain, India and Germany. Like any other source of power generation, wind energy has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of Wind Energy:

1. Renewable Energy : Wind energy in itself is a renewable energy which means it can be produced again and again since it is available in plenty. It is cleanest form of renewable energy and is currently used many leading developed and developing nations to fulfill their demand for electricity.
2. Reduces Fossil Fuels Consumption : Dependence on the fossil fuels could be reduced to much extent if it is adopted on the much wider scale by all the countries across the globe. It could be answer to the ever increasing demand for petroleum and gas products.
3. Less Air and Water Pollution : Wind energy doesn't pollute at all. It is that form of energy that will exist till the time sun exists. It does not destroy the environment or release toxic gases.
4. Initial Cost : The cost of producing wind energy has come down steadily over the last few years. The main cost is the installation of wind turbines. Moreover the land used to install wind turbines can also be used for agriculture purpose.
5. Create Many Jobs : Wind energy on the other hand has creates many jobs for the local people. From installation of wind turbines to maintenance of the area where turbines are located, it has created wide range of opportunities for the people.

Disadvantages of Wind Energy:

1. Noise Disturbances : Though wind energy is non pollution, the turbines may create a lot of noise. This alone is the reason that wind farms are not built near residential areas.
2. Threat to Wildlife : Due to large scale construction of wind turbines on remote location, it could be a threat to wild life near by.
3. Wind Can Never Be Predicted : The main disadvantage of wind energy is that wind can never be predicted. In areas where large amount of wind is needed or winds strength is too low to support wind turbine, there solar or geothermal energy could prove to be great alternatives.
4. Suited To Particular Region : Wind turbines are suited to the coastal regions which receive wind throughout the year to generate power.
5. Visual Impact : Though many people believe that wind turbines actually look nice but majority of them disagree. People consider wind turbines to have an undesirable experience.