Wind salesmen mimic the memes of environmentalism to sell their industry, often in ways so deceptive or contrary as to mock the very movement they claim to promote. You will often hear wind salesmen, and politicians who want to look ‘green,’ make the following claims:
Claim: Windplants will reduce oil consumption and lessen our dependence on foreign oil.
Facts: Only about 3% of total electricity consumption comes from oil, so windplants (which produce electricity) will not reduce oil consumption or lessen foreign dependence in any meaningful sense.
In 2004, 53% of the electricity in the US was generated from coal, 22% from nuclear fission, and 13.5% from natural gas. Oil is used mainly to power engines, motor vehicles and heating furnaces, not to produce electricity. Wind power provided 0.4%. "Annual Energy Outlook 2006," Energy Information Administration. More efficient engines and conservation measures will reduce oil consumption, but wind turbines will not. Wind Turbines Have No Effect...
The US Energy Information Administration sees little change from 2004 to 2030: about 7% more from coal, 5.5% less from nuclear fission, 1% less from oil, 0.5% less from natural gas, and 0.5% more from renewables. Wind power's contribution is projected to rise from 0.4% to 1.2% if current incentives and subsidies remain in place.
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