A major drawback for wind energy is cost and while the cost has decreased dramatically in the past 10 years, wind energy still requires a higher initial investment than conventional, fossil-fueled generators. Wind is also intermittent, thus being less reliable than other more controllable sources of energy and, unless batteries are used, wind energy cannot be stored. Another issue is that wind sites are often in remote locations, requiring the electricity generated to be transmitted long distances to where it is needed. Critics also point out the inadequacies of the nation’s current transmission infrastructure. Finally, there are environmental concerns to consider, such as the noise produced by the rotor blades, the aesthetic (visual) impacts and the dangers wind farms may pose to wildlife.
While proponents of wind energy argue that properly locating the site for wind farms can help mitigate these environmental concerns,[1] other critics disagree noting that research of the environmental impact is yet unfinished. For example, in a recent report scientists that are beginning to research unintended effects from wind turbines note that grassland birds, such as the lesser prairie chicken and the greater sage grouse, appear to avoid vertical structures such as wind turbines and transmission-line towers. In ideal wind power states such as Kansas, this is proving to be a problem as more WTGs are built, causing the lesser prairie chicken population to fragment, threatening its survival. In response, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed requiring that developers keep WTGs at least five miles away from a prairie grouse mating area, a requirement the wind industry has resisted.[2]
