An introduction to how wind power works, what its advantages and disadvantages are, and where it is being used the most.

1. An Introduction to Wind Energy Prepared for www.philazine.com by Philip Woodard – 2009 – all rights reserved ©

3. The Basics – Part Two Large wind turbines generate enough electricity for 600 homes 3.1 Usually placed in high wind areas in tens and sometimes in hundreds Vertical windmills generate 50% more electricity than horizontal windmills

4. World Wind Energy At the end of 2007, worldwide capacity was 94.1 gigawatts About one percent of world-wide electricity Fivefold increase between 2000 and 2007 On one windy morning in March, 2009, Spain produced 40 percent of its electrical demand with wind Global wind capacity grew 29% in 2008, and U.S. surpassed Germany to lead world in generating wind power 4.1 Wind power produces about 1.5% of worldwide electricity use

6. U.S. Wind Energy After two decades, U.S. wind industry hit 10,000 megawatt capacity mark in 2006 By 2008, capacity doubled again to 27,000 megawatts Enough electricity to serve 7 million American homes or power a fleet of more than 1 million plug-in hybrid vehicles Enough energy to replace 28.7 million tons of coal or 90 million barrels of oil About 42% of all the new power-producing capacity completed in 2008

13. Wind Map of the U.S. Fair Good Excellent Outstanding Superb At the end of the third quarter of 2008, the states with the most cumulative wind power capacity installed are: Texas, with 6,297 MW; California, with 2,493 MW; Iowa, with 1,394 MW; Minnesota, with 1,377 MW; and Washington with 1,367 MW.

15. Utility Scale Wind Power – September 2008

16. Most Wind Power 2008

23. Current U.S. Energy Consumption