In our pursuit of green, clean energy it seems that we are going back to basics. Over five thousand years ago sailors used wind for travel and millers harnessed it to crush grain into flour.
Wind power is growing exponentially in this country. Over the last five years wind power has quadrupled making the U.S. the leading producer of wind energy with 25,176 plants. Over the next five years 40,000 more turbines will be installed many of which will be replacing older with more efficient models.
Even in the face of a global economic crisis, wind companies are hopeful and intend to replace 45% of the outdated models by 2015. Wind companies are aiming to produce 20% of our nation’s energy by 2030 all of which will be nearly pollutant free. Although they are clearly planning long term they still bring gale force power to today’s world. Their growth in 2008 channeled some 17.7 billion dollars into the economy and in the first quarter of 2009 alone prevented 52 million tons of carbon dioxide from ever reaching the atmosphere. Wind power and its applications will certainly blow you over.
