What are the Disadvantages of Wind Power?
• Intermittent power supply, not dispatchable, and not appropriate for base load. • Avian mortality: an estimated 400 to 900 birds are killed every year at Altamont Pass. Even though this issue is not resolved, it is known that Altamont is an avian pathway and a good hunting place for raptors. Some studies indicate that the lower the blade speed, the less avian mortality, such as with the WTGs at the Solano High Winds Project site. • Wind farms tend to be located on ridges that are readily visible from miles around. Many people do not want WTG as part of their view. • Noise problems have been associated with older WTGs; the newer units are much quieter. • Most wind projects, as with many renewable power supplies, are located far from transmission lines and from where the electric demand is. Fortunately, the Solano High Winds Project is next to a high voltage transmission line. However, the Bay area has problems with line congestion and potential high cost of power delivery. The cost to
There are several disadvantages of wind power which should be considered when looking at options for energy generation. It is important to recognize that although there are some distinct problems with the use of wind power, it is still a highly sustainable and very environmentally-friendly method of energy production. If the choice is between wind power and a fossil fuel-powered generating plant, wind power is definitely the way to go. One of the disadvantages of wind power is that it is not a zero-emissions form of energy generation. A number of resources are used in the construction of wind turbines and an energy distribution system, and while generating wind power does not create emissions, emissions are involved in the maintenance of wind farms and other routine tasks which surround wind farms. However, the emissions created by wind power are certainly minimal when compared to the routine emissions of something like a coal-fired power plant. Wind farms can also eat up land which co
