ADVANTAGES OF WIND POWER

1. Wind energy is free and with modern technology it can be captured efficiently.

2. Once the wind turbine is built the energy it produces does not cause green house gases or other pollutants.

3. Although wind turbines can be very tall each takes up only a small plot of land. This means that the land below can still be used. This is especially the case in agricultural areas as farming can still continue.

4. Many people find wind farms an interesting feature of the landscape.

5. Remote areas that are not connected to the power grid can use wind turbines to produce their own electricity.

6. Wind turbines have a role to play in both the developed and third world.

7. Wind turbines are available in a range of sizes which means a vast range of people and businesses can use them. From single households to small towns and villages can make good use of a range of wind turbines available today.

DISADVANTAGES OF WIND POWER

1. The strength of the wind is not constant and it varies from zero to gale force. This means that wind turbines do not produce the same amount of electricity all the time. There will be times when they produce no electricity at all.

2. Many people feel that the countryside should be left untouched, without these large structures being built. The landscape should left in its natural form for everyone to enjoy.

3. Wind turbines are noisy. Each one can generate the same level of noise as a family car travelling at 70 mph.

4. Many people see large wind turbines as unsightly structures and not pleasant or interesting to look at. They disfigure the countryside and are generally ugly.

5. When wind turbines are being manufactured some pollution is produced. Therefore wind power does produce greenhouse gasses and pollution.

6. Large wind farms are needed to provide entire communities with enough electricity. For example, the largest single turbine available today can only provide enough electricity for 475 homes, when running at full capacity. How many would be needed for a town of 100 000 people?