How Wind Energy In Los Angeles Helps The Environment
Back in 2004, wind energy in the entire state of California produced more than 4,200 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, about 1.5 percent of all electricity generated. More than 90 percent of all of the state's wind generating apparatus is located in three areas: Altamont Pass, San Gorgonio and Tehachapi.
Wind power plants are comprised of turbines that make use of the energy in wind motion to create mechanical energy, which is then changed into electrical energy. Wind turbines can be placed near farms, homes and businesses in windy locations, such as along the West coast. Turbines can also be used in areas where it isn't cost-efficient to run power lines.
The components of a wind farm include turbines, distribution through an underground power conduit and a connection from the farm to the closest power grid. Wind power is more obtainable in certain seasons because the climate affects wind speed. In Los Angeles, speeds are greatest in the scorching summer period. An estimated three-fourths of all yearly wind energy is generated during the spring and summer.
Although power produced by older wind turbines is not as cost effective as some other forms of energy generation, newer wind turbine designs promise to be able to compete with power costs from nuclear and coal plants.
Some advantages in utilizing wind energy include: replacement of polluting conventional power plants; leaves no pollution in the air, soil or water; it is completely renewable; the installment is relatively quick; and energy production not swayed by gas and oil price increases.
However, there are some issues with wind power, such as: the required use of large tracts of land, albeit the fact that simultaneous land uses are available for such tasks as agriculture and cattle grazing. Other potential concerns are that it can cause erosion in desert areas, and disrupt wildlife habitats.