Article published February 13, 2015
The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) released a new report in February that boasts of the many benefits wind power brings to the United States' electricity grid. They concluded that diversifying the energy portfolio to include wind energy leads to a more secure, balanced and reliable system that also promotes clean air.
In 2014, the EPA proposed the Clean Power Plan to cut carbon emissions and still keep the lights on. AWEA's report found that wind energy is the best solution to cut emissions but also provide energy to keep America's homes and businesses running.
When posed the question if wind energy can meet EPA's target for the Clean Power plan, AEWA responded with a confident "yes." The 2020 target has already been met, and wind energy can help greatly in exceeding the 2020-2030 targets.
AWEA's report addresses 15 of the most frequently asked questions about wind power. Responses were gathered from studies done by existing grid operators, specifically those who work to integrate large amounts of wind. Results found that wind energy currently provides enough electricity to power 18 million homes. Some states at the forefront of wind energy are Iowa, South Dakota, Colorado, and Texas.
A primary concern addressed by AWEA is the question of whether wind turbine technology is stable. AWEA's report counters assumptions that wind farm energy is variable and as a result unstable. As wind technology continues to mature, it has been able to provide the same stability as conventional generators. Fluctuations have always been normal in any electricity supply. The different sources are able to fill in the gaps when one energy source is low. Interestingly, fluctuations in wind power can be predicted and as a result are easier to address and less costly than variances at conventional power plants.
For example, during extreme cold weather conditions-like in Texas in 2011 and the Polar Vortex in 2014-wind power provided energy to keep lights on for businesses and residents when fossil fuel plants failed. These released reports will hopefully gain the favor of farm owners so new wind farms can be created.
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