PTI Local Government Energy Assurance Guidelines - Metropolitan ...

Wind Energy Options
Developing and capitalizing on domestic energy sources with known and stable costs can significantly improve
local energy reliability. Wind power is one of the most abundant fuel supplies available, and one of the most cost
competitive renewable energy resources. Total wind power capacity now operating in the U.S. is over 35,000
megawatts (MW), generating enough to power the equivalent of 9.7 million homes. 9
Wind energy is big business. About 10 years ago, the wind industry began to experience major growth in the
United States, thanks in a large part to State and Federal tax incentives, State-level renewable energy requirements
and—beginning around 2001—rising fossil fuel prices. Wind is now the fastest growing source of electricity in the
world. In 2008, more than 27,000 megawatts (MW) of new wind capacity were installed worldwide, representing a
total investment of more than $51 billion, and 8,500 MW of this was in the U.S.—a 36 percent increase over 2007.
Nearly 10,000 MW of new wind capacity was added in the U.S. in 2009, despite a recession. More wind power was
installed in the U.S. in 2007-2008 than in the previous 20 years combined—a $27 billion investment. 10
How can wind energy help energy assurance efforts? Wind energy can assist local governments in diversifying
their fuel supply and increasing their resilience. Electric system operators utilize wind energy to reduce the output
required from fossil-fueled power plants. In addition, wind energy can assist through:
■ ■ Diversification: It diversifies the electricity portfolio and represents an indigenous energy source with stable
prices not subject to fuel volatility.
■ ■ Water savings: The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that electricity generation is
responsible for 50 percent of all water withdrawals in the U.S., followed by irrigation at 30 percent. Wind
energy does not require water cooling, so it saves significant quantities of water.
■ ■ Environmental improvement: In addition to water savings, wind energy helps avoid air pollution and
emissions from conventional power sources.
■ ■ Economic benefits: Wind energy reduces demand for traditional fossil fuels, which in turn reduces fuel prices
and helps to stabilize electricity rates. Plus, it creates a new income source for landowners and tax revenues
for the local government.
Opponents of wind projects usually point to avian (bird) mortality, aesthetic concerns, and noise pollution related
to turbines. These issues are relevant and worth reviewing, and are usually easy to address through the permitting
process. Conditions under which a project will operate can be spelled out. For example, a project permit might limit
the sound level or require a setback distance from roads, houses, or property lines.
As part of a local energy assurance effort, planners can create a separate ordinance to permit wind energy facilities.
In Pike County, Illinois, the County Board created a permitted use ordinance that lays out standard conditions for
wind projects. Decision-makers in Klickitat County, Washington, designated specific areas to encourage and guide
wind energy development. The local authorities in Kern County, California, conducted a countywide environmental
impact review to enable development of the Tehachapi Wind Resource Area.
9
David Von Walland, “Wind Power, A Gust of Alternative Energy,” January 31, 2011, (http://ezinearticles.com/?Wind-Power,-A-Gust-Of-
Alternative-Energy&id=5828920).
10
The American Wind Energy Association, November 2010.
Local Government Energy Assurance Guidelines – Version 2.0 | 19