Title: Wind farms: windfall or wipeout?

Authors: L. Leon Geyer, Jesse J. Richardson, Sara Breakiron

Addresses: Virginia Tech, USA. ' Virginia Tech, USA. ' Virginia Tech, USA

Abstract: Humans have relied on wind-generated power for hundreds of years. However, the bucolic visions of traditional windmills have been replaced by large commercial wind turbines. Although wind energy avoids much of the environmental damage caused by traditional fossil fuels, questions remain. Opponents allege that wind turbines pose a threat to wildlife. Perhaps most importantly, nearby landowners dread the potential or perceived impact of wind farms on viewsheds and property values. This paper examines the benefits offered and problems posed by commercial wind farms. The paper concludes that wind will continue to play an important role in the world energy puzzle.

Keywords: wind farms; wind energy; wind power; wind turbines.

DOI: 10.1504/IER.2007.053978

Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, 2007 Vol.9 No.1, pp.28 - 43

Published online: 13 May 2013 *

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