The Hidden Factors That Make Wind Energy Cheaper than Natural Gas in the United States

摘要

Based on an analysis comparing the 580. MW Altamont Pass wind farm in California and the 22. MW Sawtooth wind farm in Idaho with natural gas-fired generation, this article finds that wind energy provides significant and quantifiable human health, wildlife, and climate change benefits not normally considered by energy planners and utility operators. These benefits make wind energy far cheaper than natural gas.