The terms "wind energy" or "wind power" describe the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power. This mechanical power can be used for specific tasks such as pumping water, or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity to power homes, businesses and schools.

Did you know?

• Wind turbines are often grouped together into a single wind power plant, also known as a wind farm, and generate bulk electrical power. Electricity from these turbines is fed into the local utility grid and distributes to customers just as it is with conventional power plants.
• Wind turbines are available in various sizes, and therefore power ratings. The largest machines have propellers that span more than the length of a football field and stand 20 building stories high and produce enough electricity to power 1400 homes. A small home-sized wind machine has rotors between 8 and 25 feet in diameter and stands upwards of 30 feet and can supply the power needs of an all-electric home or small business.
• All electric-generating wind turbines are comprised of a few basic components: the rotor, the electrical generator, a speed control system and a tower.
• Wind energy is a free, renewable resource, so no matter how much is used today, there will still be the same supply in the future. Wind energy is also a source of clean, non-polluting, electricity. Unlike conventional power plants, wind plants emit no air pollutants or greenhouse gases.

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Helpful Links

Wind Power 101 – everything you want to know about wind power AND MORE... http://science.howstuffworks.com/wind-power.htm

U.S. Department of Energy recently announced the Wind Powering America initiative with goals to power at least 5% of the nation's electricity with wind by 2020. Read more at... http://www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/windpoweringamerica/

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEATM) promotes wind energy as a clean source of electricity for consumers around the world. http://www.awea.org/

Making a strategic commitment to a stable, clean energy supply. Read the Wind Power Outlook 2008... http://www.awea.org/pubs/documents/Outlook_2008.pdf

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