Wind Energy - Awesome Power is Used For Thousands of Years

Wind Energy – Awesome Power is Used For Thousands of Years

Man has been harnessing the massive power of the wind for thousands of years. Wind energy has moved great ships and boats, pumped water, ground grain and powered forms of industrial machines for thousands of years. Windmills still pump water in many desolate locations, where electricity to feen a water pump is difficult to get.

The Industrial Revolution

Since the dawn of the industrial revolution, the role of wind power has been slowly diminishing, with mainly fossil fuels taking its place.

Clean Alternative Energy

Now, with renewed emphasis on clean, alternative forms of energy, wind energy has blown back on the the scene in a big way, as a prime method to generate electricity. Wind turbines, large and small are filling in for traditional coal, oil and natural gas-fired power plants throughout the world. Even though wind-generated power in the U.S. is only about 1% of total power output, the interest is there for much more wind power.

New Technology

New technology has allowed the modern windmills (wind turbines) to be used where it was impossible just a few years ago. Wind farms – vast land tracts containing hundreds (sometimes thousands) of 150 foot tall wind turbines have been running since the early 1980′s. When used correctly, the potential for efficient and cheap use of wind energy is great.