Wind Energy

Wind Energy:

A Review of its Impact in Denmark

Group A: A

Humanities 432, Section Q

Professor Vanorny

February 14, 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 3

Description of Denmark 4

Description of Wind Energy 8

Positive & Negative Impact 9

Moral & Ethical Implications 18

Conclusion 22

Bibliography 24

Introduction (Christian Barth)

The concept of wind energy has been implemented since 5000 B.C. when it was used to propel boats used along the Nile River. Much like the invention of the water wheel that harnessed the power of current traditional windmills and modern wind turbines accept the gust of Mother Nature to bestow an alternative source of energy around the world. European countries such as Germany, Denmark, Spain, and the United States are the majority nations that have accepted this source of power.

Denmark has been a front runner in the development of global wind energy since the late 1970’s. This is a conservative and very traditional country: Denmark's immigration policies are some of the toughest in Europe, and its royal family is still held in high regard, their status unquestioned. But it's also a progressive nation, with legendarily liberal social values and forward-thinking attitudes that have made it one of the most environmentally conscious nations in the world. It’s no wonder that Denmark has used wind energy to support 18.8 percent of their electricity consumption in 2004.

Though wind energy is environmentally friendly it has its highs and lows. On the positive side wind energy is a mainstream technology that provides jobs for the Danish people, one of the companies called Vestas, which delivered its first windmill in 1979. Since that time employment has grossed to over 20,000 employees, has delivered over 33,500 turbines systems within 63 countries in 5 continents to feed...