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Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons

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Environmental Sciences

2012

Wind energy

Articles 1 - 3 of 3

Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Putting The Wind At Our Backs: Assessing U.S. Potential For 20% Wind Energy By 2030, Kevin T. Harnett Jun 2012

Putting The Wind At Our Backs: Assessing U.S. Potential For 20% Wind Energy By 2030, Kevin T. Harnett

Honors Theses

The discussion surrounding the future of energy, particularly in the United States, has gained significant momentum in recent years for an obvious reason — it’s daunting. Our dependence on fossil fuels has positioned our nation in an undesirable predicament with a questionable future. With the associated consequences, principally Climate Change, it is essential that energy be addressed as a primary national concern. Renewables need to flip the switch.


Wind Energy Economics: Potential Economic Development In West Michigan, Paul Isely Ph.D., Yue Fan, Erik Edward Nordman Ph.D.. Dec 2011

Wind Energy Economics: Potential Economic Development In West Michigan, Paul Isely Ph.D., Yue Fan, Erik Edward Nordman Ph.D..

Erik Edward Nordman

Economic analyses conducted by the West Michigan Wind Assessment indicate that wind energy development could generate economic benefits and new employment in West Michigan; however, much of the economic activity occurs during construction and the local benefits depend on how many turbine parts are manufactured locally. As the wind industry grows in Michigan, a higher portion of the spending to construct new wind facilities could remain in the state.


Wind Energy Economics: Production Costs And Additional Impacts, Erik Edward Nordman Dec 2011

Wind Energy Economics: Production Costs And Additional Impacts, Erik Edward Nordman

Erik Edward Nordman

West Michigan Wind Assessment Issue Brief #6 The economic costs of wind energy development were estimated in compared to costs of coal and natural gas. Excluding subsidies, but including external costs, we found that wind has a lower total cost ($/MWh) than coal, but slightly higher than natural gas.