Introduction

There is no question that global warming and climate change are having a variety of harmful effects on our planet, which can seriously pose threats to life on earth. Temperatures are rising, air quality is changing, and habitats are being destroyed. The main cause of global warming is the burning of fossil fuels, which can be done in the engine to run your car, and to create energy at power plants to run and fuel your home. Renewable energy is a very plausible way to create this same energy without the harmful effects of fossil fuel combustion. There are various types of renewable energy, and, while they should all be used  with one another for optimal energy production, this blog highlights why wind energy may be the best technology in the renewables industry to accelerate and expand production on a larger scale ahead of other renewables such as solar. This thesis highlights some success stories of wind power applications in other countries. 

The Need for Renewable Energy

Global warming is described as an “increase in the planet’s overall average temperature in recent decades” by National Geographic (Atari, 2024). Although natural processes cause rises in the earth’s temperatures, this global warming is accelerated by the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas.) These forms of fuel are the most used on the planet (Atari, 2024). The burning of these fossil fuels causes the “greenhouse effect”, which means that the gasses released from burning fossil fuels trap some of the heat being radiated by the earth that would have otherwise escaped to space, causing the planet to heat up (Atari,2024). The greenhouse gases released by fossil fuels that cause this are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides, chlorofluorocarbons, and water vapor (Atari, 2024).

Global warming causes a dangerous process known as climate change. Often used interchangeably, Global warming and climate change are different. Climate change is the changing of weather patterns(including changing wind patterns) and growing seasons, which has the potential to cause notable damage to the earth and pose a threat to all life(Atari, 2024). Effects of climate change are already being seen, with droughts, wildfires and extreme storms. In Bolivia, the second largest lake in the country dried up due to poor maintenance and drought, shown in the figure below(Lima, M. 2018).

Rising temperatures also cause changes in habitats, potentially destroying them. For example, arctic ice is heating up and melting, decreasing the amount of hunting ground for polar bears (National Wildlife Federation). Some animals are also laying eggs or coming out of hibernation much earlier than before, only to find out that the food they required and expected once they got out of hibernation hadn’t emerged (National Wildlife Federation). Sea levels are also rising from melting ice in the ocean, causing extreme flooding for people living on islands or close to the ocean shore (National Wildlife Federation, n.d.). 

Advantages of Wind Energy

There are a number of advantages to wind energy that make it an optimal source of renewable energy that should be expanded to a global scale. For instance: Wind energy is able to run 24/7, it is extremely efficient in creating and outputting energy, and can be built on large-scale projects, such as at sea or on large plots of unused land (Lunden et al., 2006). In addition to its environmental and energy related benefits, the wind energy industry creates new jobs. For example, Offshore wind farms by themselves, not including land farms, created 31,000 new jobs in the UK (Ukpanah, 2024).

24/7 Operation

          Unlike solar energy, which is reliant on daylight and weather patterns of clouds, wind energy can be harnessed continuously as long as there is wind in that region. Wind turbines also follow wind patterns throughout the day, and with good conditions will continue through the night. The wind is slower during the night, meaning that the turbines will produce a lot less energy However, there is still some activity meaning that even though they produce less energy during the night, they still produce energy.

Efficiency and Output

Although the initial costs of wind turbines are high, their efficiency, power output, and low operational costs make them a sound investment. Wind turbines are notably efficient in terms of emissions, producing approximately 4.64 grams of CO₂ per kilowatt-hour (kWh) — a significantly low figure compared to fossil fuels (Regen Power, n.d.). Additionally, wind energy can convert up to 60% of the wind’s kinetic energy into usable electricity. However, the actual energy output from a turbine depends on wind speeds and weather conditions (Regen Power, n.d.).

The cost of industrial-sized wind turbines, typically ranging from 2 to 3 megawatts (MW), is approximately $1,750 per kWh, equating to $3,000,000–$5,250,000 per turbine. Offshore wind turbines, benefiting from stronger and more consistent winds, are more expensive, with costs ranging from $4,000 to $6,000 per kWh depending on installation methods (National Renewable Energy Laboratory [NREL], 2022).

A 2–3 MW onshore wind turbine typically generates around 6 million kWh of electricity annually, enough to power approximately 1,500 homes. This production translates to around $6,000,000 in value (Business Norway, 2024). Offshore turbines, which are generally larger (ranging from 4 MW to 15 MW, with an average size of 8–10 MW), produce significantly more energy due to their scale and location. Both onshore and offshore turbines can achieve cost recovery under favorable conditions within a year or less (Business Norway, 2024).

Wind farms can be scaled for large-scale utility needs, and can be built offshore in oceans. As technology advances, wind farms can be built further offshore. Offshore farms are much more efficient because wind is faster and more consistent at sea. In turn, offshore farms create much more energy (American Geosciences Institute, 2019). Faster wind speeds offshore mean much more energy can be generated: a turbine in a 15-mph wind can generate twice as much energy as a turbine in a 12-mph wind (American Geosciences Institute,2019). Wind speeds at sea are much more constant and steady, meaning that a wind farm out at sea will produce more reliable results (American Geosciences Institute, 2019).  A very large portion of our population in the United States of America lives in coastal areas, which also means that offshore farms can potentially power the high energy needs of these locations. 

Scalability

From very large utility-scale projects, wind farms can scale down to smaller community-based projects. This ease of scalability significantly enhances their contribution to global energy production, making switching to renewable energy sources much easier for small communities. Moreover, the addition of other renewable energy sources to wind energy will yield great results, allowing for most of the world to be run primarily by renewable energy.

On a utility scale, wind farms can generate hundreds of megawatt hours, which is enough to power cities and industrial centers (Solarin & Bello, 2022). Offshore wind farms, which are popular in Denmark and the United Kingdom, utilize strong winds off coasts for substantial, steady power. This scale meets large population demands, allowing wind energy to support industrial and commercial needs, along with residential, while creating a significant reduction in fossil fuel use.

Wind energy is also effective on smaller scales, making it applicable for community projects, especially in rural or remote areas. Community wind farms are normally small clusters of turbines that are manageable and effective to meet the local demands of energy. It allows the communities to create their own generation of power, making them energy-independent and economically resilient. For instance, many rural towns in Europe and the United States have started community wind projects that contribute to the reduction of energy costs while enabling the savings to be reinvested into local infrastructure.

Scalability may be one of the reasons the broad deployment of wind energy can be supported. Wind energy is uniquely flexible in its adaptability to different regions and the resources they have, from large-scale cities down to mere villages. According to the International Energy Agency, if current adoption rates continue, by 2050, 35% of the world’s electricity could be supplied by wind power, making it a likely keystone in the global transition to renewable energy.

Responding to Counter Arguments

Wind and solar energy are the two main competitors in the renewable energy industry. It is often argued which energy source is most efficient. Most experts who argue for solar as the most efficient say that solar energy is much easier to install and versatile than wind energy. Solar is much easier to maintain and can be used on far smaller scales than wind energy; solar panels can be placed on roofs of houses or in backyards to produce good amounts of energy, while wind turbines need large spaces or fields to be placed in.

Wind energy is more efficient than solar in a few ways. Although solar energy is much easier to maintain and install on small scales, it is limited to the hours of daylight, the weather, latitude, and shading cover by trees or buildings. This is not to say that solar energy is not effective at all, just that it has more limiting factors than wind energy. Wind energy is also much more scalable than solar, as there are many steps being taken to advance offshore potential of wind farms. Assuming good conditions, the advantages of wind make it more cost efficient, scalable, and productive than most other renewables.

US 2022 Capacity Factor by Fuel Type:

 

The capacity factor is an essential figure for the comparison of effectiveness between wind and solar farms. Wind farms generally have higher capacity factors than solar farms since they can operate continuously, especially in regions with a consistent pattern of winds. Onshore wind farms usually have capacity factors of 30% to 40%, while offshore farms can have 40% to 50%. On the other hand, solar farms generally have capacity factors ranging from 15% to 25%, depending on location and technology used, since they are not operational during nighttime or cloudy conditions (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2024; Median Energy, 2024).

The higher capacity factors of wind farms mean they can generate more energy over time relative to their installed capacity. For example, an offshore wind farm with a capacity factor of 50% will generate twice as much energy annually as a solar farm with a capacity factor of 25% at the same capacity. The efficiency may not always be this high, especially for onshore turbines, but wind turbines will typically have much higher energy outputs than solar arrays.(U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2024; Median Energy, 2024).

Another big concern by many are the environmental impacts from wind farms, namely soil disruption and habitat loss. When wind farms are initially installed, soil disruption occurs and damages plant life and habitats. Additionally, there is a large impact on habitats due to the installation and noise pollution caused by wind farms. However, studies show minimal long term impacts on soil, and there are many efforts, such as habitat restoration projects and adaptive turbine designs that reduce harm to wildlife (Li et al., 2024). 

Wind farms cause high initial damage to soil, but it is restored over time. One study done on the Linxiang Wind Farm in Hunan Province measured soil health, including soil structure, fertility, and biological activity. Measuring this helps prepare places for wind farms so that they can keep their soil protected. Overall, this study found that wind farm construction damages the soil, but the soil is able to heal after construction, even while the wind farms are active. This is good because wind farms, while initially causing damage, are not indefinitely harmful to the soil (Li et al., 2024).

Although wind farms can be harmful to habitats, they still do not compare to the disruption and environmental damage done from coal and oil powered plants. There are also many efforts being made to minimize habitat disruption/loss, which will improve over time with technological advancements. There have been methods shown to reduce bird collisions. One of which is to simply not place turbines in areas with high fly-over rates where birds migrate through, and the other being to curtail production when migrating populations are sighted, or during twilight hours when they are known to fly at lower altitudes (University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science,2022). There is not much to be done about the noise pollution except for future advancements in technology to make them quieter (Rasoulinezhad, 2020). Overall, it is recommended that wind farms are not constructed in areas that will create negative impacts on the environment (Rasoulinezhad, 2020).

The most common social impacts of wind energy usually are annoyance due to the noise of the turbines and visual changes to the landscape. These effects, while previously important, are now much less significant due to advances in turbine technology and consideration of placement (Msigwa et al., 2022). Additionally, there are many ways of compensating residents so that they will support the projects.

Noise from wind turbines is one of the most common complaints from any wind farm. Older turbines could be quite noisy and sometimes significantly affected the quality of life for nearby residents. Modern turbine design has greatly improved in terms of noise reduction. Engineers have worked to streamline the blades and mechanisms so they operate more quietly, generating noise typically comparable to that of a household refrigerator (Msigwa et al., 2022). Many wind farms are also subject to set-back regulations, rules regarding the distance between turbines and residential areas to ensure that noise levels remain within acceptable limits. These setbacks are based on acoustic studies; in most cases, this is enough to make turbine noise inaudible from residential properties (Rasoulinezhad, 2020). As a result, while noise is still a concern for some, technological improvements and regulatory measures have significantly reduced the issue over time.

Wind turbines also change the scenery and are visually noticeable, particularly in rural or open spaces. Some may perceive turbines as scarring the natural beauty of the area. However, this impact is outweighed by the benefits wind farms bring to local communities. For instance, they stimulate local economies by creating jobs during both the construction and operation phases and provide environmental benefits through zero greenhouse gas emissions (Msigwa et al., 2022; Gielen et al., 2019). Additionally, landowners and communities who host turbines often receive financial incentives, such as lease payments, which can be reinvested in local commerce and services (Glasson, 2021). Visual impacts can also be minimized through effective planning. For instance, developers can locate wind farms in less populated areas or places where they do not obstruct widely admired views (Msigwa et al., 2022). Building offshore wind farms is another strategy. Advancements in technology allow for farms to be built further offshore, reducing visual and audible impacts. When integrated appropriately into the landscape, wind farms can become symbols of environmental stewardship and sustainability (Glasson, 2021). Yes, noise and visual effects are concerns, but modern turbines and intelligent wind farm planning can mitigate these effects. Overall, the benefits of renewable energy resources enhance the economics, livelihood, and general well-being of adjacent local communities (Gielen et al., 2019).

Comparisons to Other Renewable and Non-Renewable Sources

When evaluating wind energy alongside other energy sources—fossil fuels, nuclear energy, hydroelectric power, and biomass—it becomes clear that wind stands out in several ways: low emissions, high safety, minimal waste production, and long-term sustainability (Msigwa et al., 2022).

Fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas, are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, directly impacting local and regional air quality and climate change (Gielen et al., 2019). Biomass, which converts waste such as food waste or manure into energy, also releases carbon dioxide when burned. However, it is generally considered carbon-neutral as the plants used absorb CO2 during growth. Nuclear energy does not emit CO2 during power generation but requires a substantial amount of fossil fuel for uranium mining, transportation, and construction and produces radioactive waste that persists for thousands of years (Solarin & Bello, 2022). In contrast, wind energy produces no direct emissions, offering a completely clean option that helps reduce overall carbon footprints and supports climate goals (Gielen et al., 2019).

Wind energy is one of the safest energy sources. Fossil fuel plants pose health hazards through air and water pollution, which are linked to respiratory issues and diseases, while nuclear plants carry risks of radiation exposure, albeit rarely. Hydroelectric power, while renewable, can lead to flooding and ecological changes, potentially disrupting communities and habitats. Biomass production, particularly when it involves large-scale monoculture, can cause land degradation and pollution. In comparison, wind farms operate with minimal risk to workers and local populations, with rare maintenance-related accidents (Msigwa et al., 2022).

Waste is another area where wind energy outshines other sources. Fossil fuel plants produce ash and pollutants, and nuclear plants generate radioactive waste requiring long-term containment. Biomass plants may also produce ash and emissions, while hydroelectric projects disrupt ecosystems with sediment accumulation. Wind energy produces no waste during operation, although turbine blades require disposal or recycling after their operational life. This waste is relatively minor compared to the byproducts of other energy sources (Msigwa et al., 2022; Rasoulinezhad, 2020).

Wind energy is sustainable and virtually limitless as long as wind flows are available, which is a significant advantage over finite fossil fuel resources. Nuclear energy, while producing substantial power, relies on uranium, a limited resource, and wastes a significant amount of water (Solarin & Bello, 2022). Hydroelectric power is renewable but geographically limited, particularly in drought-prone regions. Biomass, while renewable, can be constrained by land availability and competition with food production. Wind’s scalability, combined with advancing technology, positions it as one of the most promising options for long-term, large-scale clean energy generation (Gielen et al., 2019).

Case Studies and Global Success Stories

Wind energy has proven successful on a global scale, with significant examples in Denmark, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and developing nations. In many of these cases, the wind energy comes largely from offshore wind farms. This is great news for the United States because it is a good example to follow to build offshore wind farms and integrate wind energy more throughout the US’s power grid.

Denmark has been a global leader in wind energy for decades, with wind providing more than 40% of its electricity. This success stems from consistent government support and private sector innovation. Wind energy has generated significant economic benefits, including job creation and technological exports. Denmark continues to pioneer offshore wind farms to boost renewable capacity further (Glasson, 2021).Germany has made impressive strides with wind energy as part of its Energiewende, or “energy transition.” Wind power contributes around 25% of the country’s electricity. Extensive use of onshore and offshore wind farms has helped Germany reduce carbon emissions and meet ambitious climate goals (Solarin & Bello, 2022).In the United Kingdom, offshore wind farms like Dogger Bank, set to become the world’s largest upon completion, highlight advancements in turbine technology and efficiency. The UK’s commitment to floating offshore wind farms aims to unlock energy generation in deeper waters, reducing emissions and dependency on fossil fuels while enhancing energy independence (Glasson, 2021).

In the United States, states like Texas and California lead in wind energy production. Texas is the top state for wind energy, contributing significantly to both energy supply and local economic development. California integrates wind into a diverse energy portfolio that includes solar and hydroelectric power, bringing job creation, infrastructure investments, and financial gains to local economies (Gielen et al., 2019). By examining these global examples, it is clear that wind energy is a viable and beneficial resource capable of supporting a sustainable energy transition worldwide.

What Can I do? 

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are a key mechanism for advancing renewable energy, playing a vital role in its growth and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. RECs are created when one MWh is put into the grid from a renewable energy producer. These certificates can be retired to show that a company, business or government is using or producing renewable energy, as well as being sold and bought (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2021). RECs create a great incentive for renewable energy to be produced because renewable energy producers have additional income. While governments and businesses often take the lead in adopting RECs, individuals have an equally important opportunity to drive change. 

By purchasing green power from your utility provider, you can directly promote RECs. Many utilities offer options for customers to pay a small premium to match their electricity with renewable energy through RECs. By opting into this, you are also signalling that there is demand for renewable energy, Increasing the incentive for renewable energy further. If your utilities don’t offer such programs, you can also purchase RECs directly from certified vendors such as Green-e. 

Advocacy plays a large role in expanding the availability of RECs. In places that lack renewable energy programs, individuals can push for change by writing to utility providers, attending town hall meetings, and urging policy makers to adopt green energy initiatives. Supporting Renewable Portfolio Standards(RPS), which require a state to have a minimum percentage of its energy come from renewables.(Inside Climate News, 2017) Currently, thirty states, Washington, D.C., and two territories have active renewable or clean energy requirements.(Inside Climate News, 2017) Engaging with environmental organizations is another effective way to push forth the use of RECs. You can also reach out to state representatives to push for anRPS. Supporting groups by volunteering or with donations can drive large scale change. Encouraging local businesses to adopt RECs and promote renewable energy usage can have a cascading effect.

Conclusion

There are many benefits of implementing wind farms on a larger scale globally. They have great energy outputs and are very cost-efficient. Although they come with certain costs and challenges such as habitat disruption, noise pollution, and some less concerning social impacts, the overall benefits to the planet and future generations outweigh these concerns. Wind energy needs to be implemented on a greater scale as soon as possible – without ignoring other efficient forms of renewable energy such as solar – to offset our environmental footprint for electricity and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, saving the planet from harmful effects of climate change. There is still a far way to go in terms of technological advancements, which will eventually produce even greater energy outputs, ultimately eliminating the need for fossil fuels in energy production. 

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