Great Green Idea: Green Energy: Wind Power Forever Green. Or is it?

Wind Power Forever Green. Or is it?

An alternative source of energy that is creating controversy lately is the use of wind power turbines. These turbines work by using the wind and the sun to generate power. They convert kinetic energy that is produced by wind into mechanical power. This green energy can be used in task applications like water pumps or the energy can be converted into electricity. The sun and wind elements in this process would make it appear that turbines are the ultimate long term solution to sustaining natural resources and conserving energy. A second look makes that assumption little less certain.

What issues would give rise to a debate about whether the eco wind turbine is friend or foe? The first issue at hand is aesthetics. In some areas there has been a virtual explosion of these devices along the landscape. While there are definitely residents that appreciate the importance of green power, many see these turbines as just plain unsightly. Their complaints range from the way they look to the noise they make. A fair amount of animal lovers have lodged complaints about how the turbines are killing flying creatures. And this is just the tip of the iceberg with regard to the criticism that has been lodged against wind power turbines.

The whole point of going green is to sustain, preserve, protect and renew earth's natural resources. Anyone living on the planet is witness to the extensive damage that overuse and greed has done to the environment. That is what makes it so surprising that there are so many people who are against wind turbines. More than the way they look, they question whether the power reduces carbon emissions at all. And if it doesn't, how could turbines possibly be effective in eliminating global warming? The truth is, for as many reports there are of the success of wind and solar energy, just as many opposing views.

For instance, around 15% of Germany's electricity comes from green energy resources. A quarter of a million jobs have opened up in the renewable energy business. But it has been reported that this success does not include a reduction in carbon emissions at all. Similarly, Denmark's wind power turbines account for 19% of the electricity generated. Yet not a single power plant has closed and the Danish grid used 50% more electricity generated by coal. This increased pollution of 36% more in carbon emissions was a result of the plants being ramped and down in response to inconsistencies in the energy produced by wind turbines. Four years later, Danish electricity is among the highest priced in Europe.

These reports are discouraging to green energy proponents. But just as quickly, they can point to the overwhelming statistics that show that wind turbines are successful. At the very least, they point out; turbines certainly are a better for reducing global warming than conventional power plants. Each side has their valid points about this important issue. There is only one way to know with absolute certainly whether wind and solar energy, alternative fuels and other efforts are forever green. And that is to have the ability to stick around and see what the planet looks like in the future.