All in for Wind

This up close and personal look at the attachment points of wind turbine blades reveals the complexity of the technologies. Wind energy is one of the cleanest sources, and can be economical too. The key is to go “all in.” Source: Jamie Horter

Are you torn between supporting wind energy and lowering your electric bill? You may no longer have to choose. A new study predicts how wind energy can be cheaper than fossil fuels.

Wind energy is attractive for economic reasons. A robust wind industry could bring 30,000 jobs and $7 billion per year to Nebraska alone. But fear of higher prices has kept wind development grounded.

Wind produces some of the cleanest energy. Introducing greater levels of wind with smart system planning can decrease the annual market price relative to today. This means you would pay less for wind energy!

The key is to go “all in.” The savings accrue when healthy wind development is combined with transmission upgrades. Installing just a few turbines at a time will cost more – on average – than multiple developments. Wind energy, combined with energy efficiency and smart transmission planning, can bring you cheaper electricity.

The Clean Energy Transmission Database on our website highlights transmission projects that will carry renewable energy. You can learn more about these and other rural energy developments at http://www.cfra.org/policy/clean-energy.

The case for wind energy keeps getting stronger. Job creation, clean energy, and lower electric bills? A change is coming. You can feel it in the breeze.

By Paul Mansoor, paulm@cfra.org