6. Wind power
Figure 6.1 Under a hazy sun, a pair of pronghorn antelope graze in a west Texas field as wind turbines generate electricity in the background. (©iStockphoto.com/chsfoto)1
Key facts
• Wind is the cheapest alternative energy source. Electricity from wind energy costs between 4.5 cents and 7.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, making it cost-competitive with fossil fuels.
• The windiest 20 states have enough wind energy to potentially provide one-third to one-half of the total U.S. energy use, and all of its electricity, now and in the next 40 years.
• Today’s wind turbine is as tall as a 22-story building and generates enough electricity ...
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