There is a simplicity to wind as an energy source. Windmills have been used for centuries, in fact. Further, utilization of Wind power is increasing. A study by the German Wind Energy Institute (DEWI) found the international installed capacity is expected to increase to about 210,000 megawatts from today's installed total of about 59,000 megawatts. "One megawatt of wind power is enough to provide electricity for several hundred households." (37).

Additionally, the technology surrounding wind power is advancing and more is being invested. "In five years, G.E. expects that alternative energy products will account for more than a quarter of energy equipment revenue." (38). "Wind power has been the leading alternative energy source in recent years. The costs of turbines have come down even as their reliability and efficiency have increased [...] By contrast, persistent shortages of silica, needed to make solar panels, have kept the solar sector from taking off on a similar trajectory." (38).

An obvious downside to wind power is that it cant be used, directly, to power an automobile. Though see the Hydrogen Fuel Cells page for information on storing energy, including from wind, in fuel cells

American Wind Energy Association

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