NEW YORK, Jan. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Wind is the fastest growing energy source in the world. Here in the United States, wind farms have popped up in more than 30 states -- producing enough energy to power an estimated 2.5 million homes a day. Thanks to growing concerns over natural gas prices, a desire for energy independence and incentives for renewable energy production, it's expected this trend will continue.
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A clean, renewable energy source, wind energy systems generate no water or air emissions. While critics of wind power point to a price discrepancy, noting that construction costs for wind-powered generators can run double those of fossil fuel plants, supporters counter that once wind facilities are constructed, there are no fuel costs because wind -- of course -- is free. Likewise, they say that since maintenance is considered minimal, wind-power costs are competitive.
Experts say it's relatively easy to harness the energy in wind. Essentially, you put a rotor on top of a tall tower; the wind blows the rotor, which is connected to a shaft -- which drives an electrical generator to produce electricity.
The American Wind Energy Association forecasts 6 percent of all homeowners in the U.S. will receive their electricity from wind by 2020.
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