Links Wind Energy Wind power is the process by which wind turbines, acting like propeller blades, turn in the moving air and convert kinetic energy in the wind into electricity. Since the beginning of history, wind power has been used as a form of energy. Millions of windmills were erected in the U.S. in the late 19 th century as a means to pump water for farms and ranches. Modern day wind turbines take advantage of major technology advances in materials, electronics and aerodynamics to provide electrical power to consumers similar to conventional power plants.
Wind energy is the fastest growing source of energy in the world.
In the U.S., over 3,000 megawatts of wind power has been installed, enough electricity to power approximately half a million homes. On top of that, U.S. wind power capacity is expected to grow by nearly 50 percent by the end of 2001. It would cost just a few dollars per year to the electricity bill of a typical American family, and would supply electricity for over 1.5 million Americans. As a renewable source of energy, wind power is free and abundant. While nearly all areas of the U.S. have some amount of wind potential, the best resources are found in the Great Plains, Pacific Northwest and Texas.