About Wind Energy

Wind energy is the use of the wind as an energy source. A wind energy system transforms the kinetic (moving) energy of the wind into mechanical or electrical energy that can be harnessed for practical use.

Mechanical energy: Wind energy can be harnessed by sails for transportation (sailboats) and other purposes such as grinding grain and pumping water. In the United States, some six million mechanical windmills were in operation in the late 1880s until about 1935, helping homesteaders and farmers to settle the West. Mechanical wind energy is most commonly used today for pumping water in rural or remote locations.

Electrical energy: Harnessing the wind for electricity generation is the most widespread use of wind energy today. Wind turbines, activated by the wind, generate electricity for homes, businesses, and for sale to utilities. In the U.S., use of wind for electricity generation by utilities is limited but growing. In 2002, less than 1% of U.S. electricity supply came from wind power. Some European countries get a larger share of their electricity from the wind (Denmark gets 20% of its total electricity supply from wind power, Germany 5%).

Company Listings

American Wind Energy Association
http://www.awea.org/

 




 

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