What is Wind Power?

In a nutshell

Wind power, in a nutshell - so to speak, is potential kinetic energy harnessed through some type of generator system, then transmitted and used to power anything from a water pump to your home's appliances. Electricity is generated through the conversion of rotating wind turbine blades (or some similar system) - powered by the surrounding wind current, into electrical current.

Wind energy is renewable, clean, widely available and is a potential replacement for current fossil-fuel power plants. Although wind power will need some sort of back-up power source to go along with it, to account for intermittency, in many places that back up could be a more reliable renewable source like hydro electricity or geothermal power.

"There is also the use of large batteries that can store energy for times where the wind doesn't blow strong enough to meet energy demands."

Also, for the individual home owner, investing in wind power and staying connected to your local grid means you can have power in times of need, and sell power to the local power station when your wind turbine provides excess energy.

In order to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, power sources like wind will need to be adopted. While wind power infrastructure can require a hefty initial investment, the payoff is virtually free energy and a cleaner planet. So what's not to like?