About Wind Energy
Electricity to power our businesses, organizations and municipalities can be created using wind energy and is a function of wind speed, among other important factors. Wind speeds in excess of 6.2m/s at reasonable tower heights are most desirable for projects to be financially feasible. Hub height, rotor size, land elevation and surrounding structures also dramatically affect the energy output of a particular turbine or set of turbines.
In addition to the technical aspects associated with creating wind energy, there are political and economic factors dictating whether or not a particular site or project will be developed. They include: existing zoning and permitting requirements, site access, proximity of nearby electrical transmission facilities, demand load in the vicinity as well as government incentives available.
Electricity from wind creates near zero emissions of greenhouse gases. A 1.5MW facility can produce 25% to 35% of the power needed by a mid-sized business or organization. A growing number of Massachusetts towns are using or planning wind turbines to supply power for municipal needs. A few New England towns are adding turbines to their municipal plants that sell power to town inhabitants. A 1.5MW facility can power about 400 households and save the equivalent of 40,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide.
Nationally, we have set a target for 20% of the electricity used in the U.S. to be generated by wind before or by 2030. Over 250,000 jobs are also expected to be generated in the field.