NSPE Position Statement No. 1764
Approved: April 2011
NSPE believes that the United States must continue to develop and maintain energy sources that enable the nation to maintain an adequate and sustainable supply of energy that is also environmentally acceptable and economically viable.
Wind power is not a new concept. It has been used for centuries for irrigation pumping and milling grain. In the 20th century, small windmills began to be used to generate electrical power, especially in rural areas. The modern wind power industry had its genesis in the late 1970s, when companies, mainly in Denmark, started producing wind turbines.
Wind energy is one of the fastest growing energy sources. In Europe, the total share of electrical power production contributed by wind energy is nearly 4%. In the United States, wind energy powers 2% of our electrical loads.
Wind turbines with up to 7.5 MW of generating capacity are presently available. Larger units are being developed for use in offshore wind farms that will provide bulk power to electrical grids along coastlines.
Potential sharp increases in oil and natural gas prices can make wind energy increasingly attractive. Wind energy is safe and environmentally friendly.
NSPE supports funding for research and development that will continue to lower the cost per kilowatt of installed wind turbines. Moreover, NSPE supports the installation of wind-energy farms that utilize larger-capacity turbines in suitable areas of our nation, especially offshore along our coastlines.