Wind Power: The Future of U.S. Energy?

A recent report from the Department of Energy (DOE) points to increasing wind capacity (45 percent in 2007) as a viable option for renewable energy providing more than 20 percent of the nation's electricity.The scenario would require a significant influx of wind capacity—up from 17 gigawatts today to more than 300 gigawatts by 2030.

Combating oil prices that are resting at record rates for a barrel of crude petroleum is certainly one reason that the DOE would look to improve the efficiency and availability of renewable energy in the national grid. Which brings me to a larger issue.

Wind power is growing, but only accounts for a little over 1 percent of total energy capacity in America,  and in order to reach the goal of 20 percent the electricity grid would need major reinvention. Fortunately, the DOE and several utility companies are working on a massive makeover for the nation's grid over the next five years. Reducing the dependence on fossil fuels through wind energy would require either new transmission and distribution lines, or an advancement in wind farm technology that would help ease the pains of transition.

It's safe to say that such a venture would provide immediate environmental and monetary benefits. Consider the following:

• The DOE report lists the reduction of carbon emissions from electricity by more than 25 percent
• An additional reduction in water consumption by 4 trillion gallons

So regardless of the apparent challenges, which are to be expected, the positive environmental benefits of wide-scale wind production could be vastly important, helping alleviate many concerns over fossil fuels and foreign energy dependence.