Wind Energy
By: John Clay
Updated: April 4, 2012
When it comes to alternative energy, wind power is growing in popularity. Today it produces just 1% of the world's electricity. But in the last 5 years production has quadrupled and the sky is literally the limit. Texas is ground zero for wind power. The lone star state leads the nation in wind farms. Deep in the heart of Texas the relentless wind is no longer cursed, it's embraced. Ranchers say they were wondering how to hang on to their land because of a lack of water. Now wind may hold their salvation. In the past 5 years around 2000 turbines have gone up in west Texas alone. Florida Power and Light is the nation's leading producer of wind power. They have big plans for continued expansion in Texas. It's been a profitable investment. Wind money has paid for schools and brought in new families. A 1.5 megawatt turbine can power up to 400 homes. The U.S. Department of Energy says 1% of the country's electricity comes from wind power. By comparison, Denmark uses more wind power than any other country. 20% of its electricity is wind generated.
