Wind Energy

Since the year 2000, capacity for wind energy within the United States is 24 times larger. Modern wind turbines utilize kinetic energy from wind into renewable energy acting much like an airplane wing, turbine blades create a low-pressure air pocket adjacent to one side of the blade. The pocket of low-pressure air pulls the blade toward it, while the wind is pushing against the side of the blade. This push and pull -- lift and drag -- combination causes the turbine rotor to spin. The rotation of the rotor allows a series of gears within the turbine to create alternating current (AC) electricity (U.S. Department of Energy).

Offshore wind turbines are much like ordinary wind turbines. The only difference being their adaptations allowing them to be built in bodies of water. This poses many more benefits than one would think. Offshore wind speeds tend to flow much faster and much steadier as they follow ocean currents. This allows the turbines to create an increased amount of energy at steadier rates than what is generated onshore. Offshore wind turbines, as they can be built a substantial distance off the shore, create little to no noise pollution or visual impact on anyone. They also have no effect on land usage for these same reasons. Offshore wind turbines benefit marine life, as well. By restricting access to certain waters and increasing artificial habitats, marine life flourishes around turbine sites (“Differences between Onshore”).

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