Disadvantages of Wind Power

From LoveToKnow GreenLiving

If you are considering alternative energy sources, then it is important to know the disadvantages of wind power as well as the advantages.

There are positives and negatives to wind power

With the world wide need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and to seek alternative energy sources, wind power is for many an exciting option. One of the most important features of an alternative energy source is that it is sustainable and renewable. This means that unlike traditional fuels that once burned and can not be replaced, sustainable or renewable energy sources can be replaced. Fuels such as solar power, bio fuels and wind power are all important alternatives.

The Disadvantages of Wind Power

Although wind power has many advantages, there are also disadvantages. Some of the disadvantages of wind power include:

The Siting of Wind Turbines

One drawback of wind power is the necessity to site large wind turbine units in a suitable situation. Suitable sites must have a constant supply of wind and this typically means that they are sited in elevated positions away from large buildings or other things that may disrupt the wind flow. This makes them highly visible for many miles around. The effect of this is that large wind farms are built in areas of natural beauty. Some people regard wind turbines or wind power farms as an eye sore and a blot on the landscape. The very nature of harnessing wind for power means that there is little that can be done to avoid this.

Wind turbines are also noisy and this means that they can make unattractive neighbors when sited next to residential areas. While modern technologies have done a lot to reduce the noise of turbines, there is still a constant noise that is a distinct disadvantage.

Unpredictable Wind Levels

Disadvantages of wind power also include the unpredictability and unreliability of wind. As wind is a force of nature, it is impossible to guarantee optimum wind levels all year round. Modern wind turbines are more efficient and are able to produce wind power at much lesser levels of wind than earlier versions, however there are still levels, depending on the turbine, under which energy cannot be harvested. This is a disadvantage as it makes the planning and management of energy levels difficult and means that typically another energy source is required to run in back up to wind power.

Electrical Interference

There are concerns that the turbines can cause electromagnetic interference. This means that the turbines could cause interference with communication systems and television signals. While the levels of interference are reported to be low, this is still a real concern to some communities that are facing the erection of wind turbines in their locality.

Damage to the Environment

There are concerns that wind power can actually harm the environment. One of the greatest concerns is over the damage that it can cause the bird community. There are fears that birds can fly into the wind turbine and get killed.

Advantages Compared With Disadvantages

It is important to weigh up the advantages and the disadvantages of wind power and for people to make a considered judgment as to which is the most appropriate form of energy in this modern era. This means taking into account important aspects such as the long term viability of traditional fuels compared with any damage that is being done to the environment. This then needs to be weighed against new generation alternative fuels such as wind power. Every individual will have their own opinion as to what is best for themselves, their family and friends, their neighborhood and ultimately the environment. Taking into account the positives and the negatives is the only way that a well informed judgment can be made.