Humans have been harnessing wind power for more then two millennia and wind turbines are generally considered to be among the most sustainable methods of generating electricity.
In addition to electricity generation, wind turbines have long been used to move water using direct drive pumps.
Wind generators are a very scalable technology with effective designs that range in size from of a small agricultural water pump to designs that can power an entire community or municipality.
Areas of concern about wind turbines
- The production of rare earth magnates used in modern wind turbines can be a significant source of toxic pollution.
- Fast moving wind turbine blades are dangerous for birds and other flying creatures
- Noise from operating wind turbines can be disturbing to local residents
- Vibration from wind generators attached to buildings can cause structural damage the structure be disturbing to those inside.