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Why wind energy?


Wind energy is one of the fastest growing major
sources of new electricity around the world. Today,
there are over 150,000 wind turbines operating
around the world in over 90 countries. Wind energy
releases no pollution at all and does not contribute
to global warming. Unlike fossil fuels wind is free
and inexhaustible. Wind farm development is an
excellent source of local jobs from construction to
maintenance. Because wind turbines occupy little
space there is room for farming and other uses
underneath.

Advantages of wind
power
Wind is free
No pollution
Renewable resource
Replaces need for fossil
fuels
Does not contribute to
global warming

Disadvantages of wind
power
Noise
Eyesore
Can hurt birds

The advantages of wind power outweigh the


disadvantages by a longshot. Good wind resources
are often found in remote and/or economically

disadvantaged areas so the amount of people who


are affected by these disadvantages are minimal.
The history of wind energy:
Windmills were used in Persia (present-day Iran) as
early as 200 B.C. These turbines were not used to
create electricity, but to grind grain and or draw up
water. The first electricity-generating wind turbine
was a battery charging machine installed in July
1887 by Scottish academic James Blyth to light his
holiday home in Marykirk, Scotland. By 1908 there
were 72-wind driven generators in the U.S. Today
there are 150,000 wind turbines around the world.

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