Wind Power in West Texas and Its Effects

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Main body
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Various wind farms of West Texas compose wind power production that provides part of electricity. As a rule, the local farmers lease their lands to wind power developers who may pay per turbine installed or a small percentage of their annual profits. While farmers contribute to wind power, it is implemented and monitored by such large turbine manufacturers as GE Energy, Siemens, Vestas, Mitsubishi, and so on. The main cause of introducing and developing wind power in West Texas is the need to generate more electricity with fewer costs and environmental friendliness. In particular, the reduction of gas emissions and carbon dioxide emissions may be noted among the causes of the identified power type.

Main body

The effects of wind power in West Texas are primarily positive. First, it accounts for approximately 12 percent of the state’s electricity production and acts as a renewable energy source. Compared to gas pipelines and coal trains, it is easier to install and repair since turbines are not connected to each other, which means that if one of them is broken, it will not affect others. Second, wind power is beneficial in economic terms as it provides the opportunity for additional profits to farmers and presents fewer costs in comparison to other power sources. Third, it allows decreasing the negative impact on the environment since there are no harmful emissions (Kaffine, McBee, & Lieskovsky, 2013). Fourth, wind power generation is advantageous due to its reliability caused by decentralized maintenance. Its providers may consider some adjustment works without interfering with the whole system. The outcomes of wind power are a for-profit enterprise, environmental awareness, reliability, and renewability.

Along with the above positive effects, one should also pinpoint some negative issues associated with wind power. Wang and Wang (2015) discuss the disadvantages that refer to noise pollution and land surface impacts. The authors mention that wind energy generation may change the weather in those regions that are characterized by many wind power turbines. Bird and bat fatality may be noted as another negative point even though it is rather small (Wang & Wang, 2015). In general, it seems that wind power generation design and policies need to be reconsidered to prevent the adverse impact of the mentioned issues.

As for environmental policy, one should emphasize that a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) is the key regulation that is used to enforce and adapt wind power production (“Energy”, 2017). This policy issues requirement that is usually achieved earlier than states. One may, for example, note that it set a goal of achieving 10,000 MW by 2025 and its actual accomplishment in 2010 (“Energy”, 2017). RPS was developed by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) likewise a renewable-energy credit (REC) trading program, implying the use of a capacity conversion factor (CCF) to measure wind power in megawatt-hour (MWh). RPS also prescribes monitoring of sales, transfer, production, and purchase for every retailer in West Texas.

Conclusion

In my point of view, wind power in West Texas has great potential to grow and take the larger part of electricity provision. I agree that such turbines should be installed in collaboration with farmers as it is a win-win solution that ensures benefits for both sides. Although environmental issues cause some concerns, it seems that further research may improve the design of wind power generation and eliminate negative effects. Thus, I consider that wind power in West Texas should be developed in the future.

References

Energy. Legislator’s guide to the issues 2017-18. (2017). Web.

Kaffine, D. T., McBee, B. J., & Lieskovsky, J. (2013). Emissions savings from wind power generation in Texas. The Energy Journal, 34(1), 155-175.

Wang, S., & Wang, S. (2015). Impacts of wind energy on environment: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 49, 437-443.

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Wind Power in West Texas and Its Effects

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