Environmental Impacts of Wind Energy (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Study Guide

Advantages & disadvantages of wind power

• Wind energy is a renewable energy source

• China has the largest wind energy installed capacity

• Norway has increased its wind energy production from less than one gigawatt in the early 2000s to 14.8 terawatt hours in 2022

• Although expensive, the cost of wind turbines is decreasing

  • New designs are more efficient and can generate more electricity

• In the U.S., total wind energy electricity generation in 2023 was more than 10%

  • Overall, wind energy provides 12 states with over 20% of their total electricity generation

  • Iowa and South Dakota, with more than 50%

  • More than 40% in Kansas and Oklahoma

• The largest turbines are capable of powering 600 American homes

Advantages of wind energy

• No greenhouse gas emissions

• 2,600 tons of CO2 is offset by 1 megawatt of wind energy

• No air pollution or noise pollution, particularly in rural areas

• Can be small or large scale 

• Cheap to run

• Can be on land or offshore

• Environmental damage can be minimal

Disadvantages of wind energy

• Not reliable only works when the wind is strong enough but not too strong

• Wind has to be blowing in a certain direction

• Visual pollution

• Noise pollution 

• Many turbines (233) are needed to produce the same energy as an average coal-fired power station

• Back up networks are needed if there is no wind

• May affect bird migration patterns or kill birds and bats that fly into the moving blades

• Can interfere with telecommunications and satellites

• Aircraft need to be aware of wind farms