Wind Power in Western Maryland

It has been estimated that the potential of wind energy in the United States is such as to be able to provide electric for every home in the country. Studies that specified land areas suitable for wind energy have designated classes from one to seven. Classes 1 and 2 are generally considered to not be suitable for building utility-scale wind energy development with a wind energy source, such as a windmill or wind turbine, either for individuals or for businesses because the savings would be minimal due to the financial cost of building. However, there is an estimated 1,230,299 megawatts of electrical power available using wind power.

The western portion of Maryland is considered one of the best places that could support wind energy within the state. Classified at level 3, the area has the potential of providing 338 megawatts of renewable electrical power but currently has an output of zero with the exception of a few built by individuals in other parts of the state. Nor has there been any construction started as of this time. However, the neighboring states of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio have done so and with plans to expand.

Part of the problem is the view of local citizens that windmills will create a noise level that is dangerous to those living near a wind farm to the danger that birds and bats would be negatively impacted due to deaths through the rotating blades. Other concerns centered on thrown propellers or fires being started. Although studies have indicated neither of these situations have merit and that such incidences are isolated, the other problem is that legislation at the county level is practically non-existent.

The state requires at least one acre of level ground and an open space of 60 feet in order to install a windmill. Since I live on a ridge and match the requirements listed, I have considered a windmill to offset the cost of electrical power. Not everyone feels the same way. No one wants to use any public lands and, so far, even construction on a privately owned 1000-acre strip mine area has been thwarted. On top of that, the Windswept grant program through the state has already run out of money to pay to those who wanted to build. Only $50 thousand dollars was allocated to help pay the costs of installation of a wind turbine; however, the applications turned in far outstripped the funds.

At a cost of approximately $10,000 to $20,000 thousand for one wind turbine (depending on kilowatts generated), the overall expense will pay for itself within a short time with little to no pollution into the environment and less need for fossil fuels. Many believe the power derived from windmills has the potential to cut electric bills in half for many individuals and the savings could pay for installing a wind turbine within a few years. With added grants and tax breaks, the savings can even be greater.

The United States has been familiar with windmills as a source of electrical energy for over 100 years. Windmills were used throughout the country, with over six million in use between 1880 and 1930, to generate electricity on farms, private homes, and businesses. Unfortunately, with the advent of electric power plants, most of which were fueled by coal or other fossil fuels, the old-fashioned windmills fell into disrepair and were eventually torn down due to the cheaper cost of fossil fuels.

Wind energy is one of the most important alternative forms of clean and renewable energy that is available across much of the United States and is one of the fastest growing industries. The United States as a whole is in the number one spot for the last three years for growth. Even so, other countries such as India, Denmark, England, and others, continue to use modern applications and technology to build wind turbines with more efficient and greater output of electric power.

The need for an alternative source of energy across the United States is one of the most important challengers we face today. More work needs to be accomplished at all levels of government to streamline and assist in the installation of private and business wind power sources and done so without delay. With western Maryland having the wind resources that is available, there is no reason why wind power cannot be utilized in an efficient and timely manner.

Sources:

Allegany planners discuss wind farms

Wind turbine grants dry up

Wind Energy Resource Potential