The Disadvantages of Wind Mills

Wind mills that are used to generate electricity have been lauded in recent years as a potential solution to the future energy needs of people all around the world. Many wind farms are in use today and more are in the planning stages. But there are significant drawbacks to wind mills that should be considered before embracing this new technology.

Cost

• Th most obvious problem with wind mills, and the reason they have not been built in some instances, is the initial cost involved. Besides constructing the wind mills themselves, the land on which they sit must be purchased or leased. Modifications to the electrical grid are also necessary to accommodate the new power sources. Since many wind farms are built in rural areas or offshore, the cost of transporting the energy to population centers can also be substantial.

Unreliability

• While the basic technology behind wind turbines is relatively simple, there are other factors that may make electric wind mills unreliable. In cases of uncertain climate patterns, the lack of sustained wind over time may lead to lower production levels than expected. In addition, wind mills are prone to damage from lightning because of their height. The cost of repairs must be added to the initial cost of construction, making wind power a less appealing option to some.

Environmental Impact

• Although they are one of the cleanest forms of energy production available, wind mills do have their own undesired environmental impact. This can include noise pollution, which is more common when wind mills are moving at slow speeds due to low wind speeds. Some wind mills have also been reported to be hazardous to migrating birds, though careful study can usually be used to avoid placing wind mills where birds frequently fly.

Politics

• The political issues surrounding any new energy policy are another drawback to the use of wind mills. Zoning regulations and safety requirements all play into the decision to build a new wind mill. Tax credits are also an important issue and may affect the price of construction in a positive or negative way. Public utilities must also manage the political considerations of how to market the new energy, in some cases allowing customers to pay an additional fee for energy from renewable sources such as wind mills.

Aesthetics

• Finally, one of the most frequently cited issues surrounding wind mills is the backlash concerning their appearance. Residents of some regions, especially waterfront property owners, sometimes voice displeasure with proposed wind farms that will alter the landscape or obstruct their view. For this reason many wind farms are located in remote areas or along major rural highways. But for wind power to become a significant source of energy, more wind mills will need to be built, some of them within sight of residential areas.