Energy produced by windmills in Wisconsin has lower amounts of pollution. The amount of greenhouse gas emissions by wind farms is much less than that produced by fossil resources, as well.
The production of renewable wind energy decreases Wisconsin's dependency on fossil-based fuels. The plan is to generate 25 percent of the state's total energy from renewable sources by 2025 --- with the help of wind farming. This would encourage other states to adopt wind power and perhaps help decrease the country's dependence on fossil fuels.
Wisconsin's windmills generate power and thereby income for the local farmers who are now growing a new "crop" --- electricity. This would enhance the economy of the state, perhaps allowing it to sell excess energy to other states in the future. Wisconsin's 35 large wind turbines produce power for 7,000 homes. There are plans for 30 more turbines in the near future. The farmers would have the choice to install and run small farm-size windmills (for private use) and large utility windmills, depending upon the acreage available and investment required. At the moment, a small farm wind mill can generate more than a home and farm needs. The farmer can sell the excess power generated and thus earn additional income. The land in between the windmills can still be used for farming as the windmills are not known to interfere with crops. This would enhance the economic returns for local farmers. Also, new jobs are created as the turbines require maintenance and maybe in the future could be built in the state.
The installation of one windmill requires a half-acre of land, and the next one needs to be placed at a distance of five acres apart. This means that a small number of windmills can be placed over a large area of land, which in turn means that they can produce a very small percentage of the required amount of energy. The small farm-size windmills are fast replaced with large utility size turbines than can each power 200 homes. However, the total replacement would take some time to be completed.
The wind farms in Wisconsin have been reported to be loud and also interfere with television reception. While the sound pollution is not very pronounced, it is still a challenge that needs to be overcome before this method gains full acceptance.
Wind, although the source of the wind power plants, is not so reliable. The amount of energy generated by the windmills in Wisconsin often depends upon the strength and consistency of the wind power, which are variable. The wind potential in Wisconsin is not as good as in other states; however, new technology is emerging that is capable of capturing wind and transforming it into power even in less windy areas. Until such technology is perfected, the conversion of wind to power is often costlier than that obtained from fossil fuels. What is encouraging to note is that more than 15,000 customers in Wisconsin signed up with the four newly established "green power" utility companies that run on wind power, making this state one of the most wind-power friendly state in the U.S.
