Environmental Benefits of 180 MW Wind Energy Compared to Coal-Fired Generation

wind turbine Carbon Dioxide Emissions Reduced
656,638 tonnes/year
115,811 car equivalent
coal plant

Sulfur Dioxide
2,949 tonnes/year

Nitrogen Oxides
997 tonnes/year

water Water Conserved
1,356,239,212 liters/year
3,715,724 liters/day
10,907 people each day

Sources: Based on information from the Energy Information Administration, National Energy Technology Laboratory, and U.S. Geological Survey. Annual emission offsets based on 180 MW wind project offsetting coal-fired generation, using capacity factor for the Armow Wind project area and accounting for regular turbine maintenance. Water conserved compared to coal-fired generation (541 gallon/MWh), source American Wind Energy Association. People supplied figure based on USGS estimation of 80-100 gallons/day per capita water consumption, US Geological Survey, "Water Q&A: Water use at home," http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/qahome.html.

 

Benefits of Wind Energy

  • Is an inexhaustible resource,
  • Reduces reliance on imported fuel,
  • Benefits the environment and helps fight climate change,
  • Is compatible with mixed land use: grazing, agriculture, and hunting,
  • Creates job opportunities in local areas,
  • Provides a steady income to farmers and property-owners,
  • Strengthens the local tax base, helping to improve town services, including schools, police and fire departments,
  • Provides more direct economic impacts than new fossil fuel plants,
  • Produces energy with stable production costs, offering a hedge against other energy sources with volatile fuel markets