Large Scale Wind Power
Wind power currently produces 1.5% of worldwide energy. However, in certain parts of the world, this form of renewable energy contributes a much larger percentage. (In Denmark, for instance, wind produces 19% of their energy needs.) These large scale systems are successful when utilized in specific regions when local weather patterns permit. In 2008, the United States generated 1.26% of the nation’s electricity with wind power and over 8,500 MW of new wind power capacity was brought online in 2008, which increased the nation’s cumulative wind power total by 50%. These new installations are a step towards providing 20% of the nation’s electricity.
Small Scale Wind Power
Smaller wind generators can be used to power a home or business. They can be used as a stand alone generator or in system that combines other renewable sources like solar. These turbines produce power when the wind blows and store the energy in batteries that can be used when needed. If you have an electrical grid connection, the turbine does not require batteries to store the energy. Instead, when the turbine is spinning, it feeds power into the electrical grid and runs your meter backwards. Thus, reducing or eliminating your electric bill.
Wind Power in Utah
In 2005, Utah had 1 MW of installed wind power. By 2008 the capacity grew to 19.79 MW. Currently in Utah there are 203.5 MW of wind power under construction and there is the potential of generating 2770 MW of power.
Blue Sky Program
The Blue Sky program from our local electricity provider offers customers a way to purchase renewable wind energy in 100 kilowatt-hour (kWh) increments, called blocks, for just $1.95 per block per month. Each 100 kWh block represents about 10 percent of the average customer’s monthly electricity usage.
