By Brittany Russell |
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, wind energy is the fastest-growing energy source in the world.
Advantages:
• A clean fuel source. Wind energy does not pollute the air, and wind turbines do not produce atmospheric emissions that cause acid rain or greenhouse gasses.
• Wind energy is a domestic source of energy.
• Wind is a renewable energy resource, a form of solar energy.
• Wind is one of the lowest-priced technologies, costing between 4 and 6 cents per kilowatt-hour.
• Wind turbines can be built on farms or ranches, which would benefit the economy. Also, wind power plant owners make rent payments to the farmer or rancher. The land can still be worked because only a fraction of the land is used.
Challenges:
• Depending on how energetic a wind site is, the wind farm may or may not be cost competitive. The technology requires a higher initial investment than fossil-fueled generators.
• Wind energy cannot be stored (unless batteries are used) and not all winds can be harnessed to meet the timing of electricity demands.
• Good wind sites are often located in remote locations.
• There is some concern over the noise produced and visual impacts.
Is wind power possible in Nevada?
A resource map of Nevada published by the Department of Energy’s Wind Program and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) depicts wind speed estimates at 50 meters, a speed suitable for utility-scale wind development. In the future, plans are to provide wind speed estimates at 30 meters, useful for small wind turbine opportunities.
The Department of Energy has also stated that lower elevation areas of good-to-excellent resource are located near Las Vegas and near Ely, as well as on the
higher ridge crests throughout the state.
Economic Impact
Wind Powering America’s Nevada arm, Wind Power Nevada, outlines the direct and indirect economic impact of 1000 MW, which under the 20 percent wind power by 2030 nationwide vision is Nevada’s nameplate capacity:
Direct Impact:
• $2.7 million per year in payments to landowners
• $7.3 million per year in property tax revenue
• 1346 new construction jobs ($189 million to local economies)
• 226 new long-term jobs ($21.2 million a year to local economies)
Indirect Impact:
• 1240 new construction jobs ($133.9 million to local economies)
• 172 local jobs ($19.1 million a year to local economies)
Total Impact – construction plus 20 years of operation:
• $1.3 billion
• 2586 new local jobs during construction
• 398 new local long-term jobs
Local Contact: Nevada State Wind Working Group, Bob Cooper, Chairman 775-684-1184.
References:
1. U.S. Department of Energy – Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program, www.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro
2. Wind Power Nevada Policies Affecting Wind Power, www.windpowernevada.com
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