INDUSTRY LEADER
NextEra Energy Resources is the world’s largest operator of clean, renewable wind energy. Over the last decade, our wind energy capacity has nearly tripled. We have the largest market share of North American wind capacity.
BENEFITS
Clean, Reliable and Affordable
With 120 wind farms in operation, wind energy is affordable, good for our environment and our economy. Wind energy provides millions in tax dollars and landowner payments. It also creates jobs and boosts local economies.
Clean, Renewable Energy
Wind-generated power creates no solid waste. It also:
• Creates no greenhouse gases or other air pollutants;
• Uses no water to generate electricity;
• Provides a renewable fuel supply; and
• Results in no hazardous cleanup at the end of the project.
Competitive Price
Wind energy is one of the most economical sources of electricity:
• The cost of wind has dropped significantly – from 30 cents per kilowatt-hour (kwh) in the 1980s to less than two cents per kwh (with incentives) at high wind sites.
• Technological improvements in turbines drives costs down;
• No cost volatility – fuel is free; and
• Competitive price with other power generation.
Home-grown Electricity
Electricity generated in local communities benefits those communities. It also:
• Helps our country move toward energy independence; and
• Reduces our dependence on foreign oil.
Jobs
Wind farm construction also brings employment opportunities to the communities we serve:
• Hundreds of construction jobs; and
• Typically, several full-time positions when operating.
Quick to Market
The time it takes to construct a wind energy center is relatively short - from groundbreaking to commercial operation in six to nine months.
Infrastructure Improvement
We have enhanced more than 2,300 miles of roads as part of our wind projects in the U.S. and Canada. As we build, we continue to help the communities we serve by improving the infrastructure:
• Investment in roads to bring in construction equipment; and
• Roads remain as permanent infrastructure improvement for communities.
Landowner Partnerships
Partnering with landowners in the community provides many benefits, including:
• Land rights agreements allow landowners to diversify their income;
• Much of the land is still available for other uses; and
• Renewable energy projects create local jobs.
WIND FARMS
From Start to Finish
Once approved for construction, wind farms can be built quickly in comparison to other types of power-generating facilities. Throughout the process, we are respectful of the environment and our neighbors. We work with the community to achieve the best results for all involved.
Siting and Development
Siting a wind farm can be challenging. We must find the right combination of wind conditions, power transmission lines and land to accommodate the wind farm.
NextEra Energy Resources pursues potential wind farms in areas where the wind blows steadily. The ideal average wind speed is approximately 25 to 35 miles per hour.
Wind facilities must also be near high-voltage transmission lines that can carry power over long distances. These transmission lines must have the capacity to handle the additional generation.
Construction
Our wind farms can usually be built in six to nine months. Steps include:
- Build access roads to bring in construction equipment;
- Install underground electric cables beside the access roads;
- Pour wind turbine foundations;
- Construct a substation, and an operations and maintenance building;
- Bring in turbine equipment;
- Use cranes to erect the turbines; and
- Test and commission the completed turbines.
Ready for Operations
Once constructed and tested, the wind turbines can be commissioned, meaning they are ready for operation. We have experienced operations and maintenance managers at all our sites. Our local staff is supported by centralized maintenance and environmental staff. Our sites also have remote support from an around-the-clock Renewable Operations Control Center.
How Wind Energy Works
Wind turbines capture the wind's energy with two or three propeller-like blades that are mounted on a rotor, to generate electricity. The turbines sit high atop towers, taking advantage of the stronger and less turbulent wind at 100 feet (30 meters) or more above ground. A blade acts much like an airplane wing:
- When the wind blows, a pocket of low-pressure air forms on the downwind side of the blade.
- The low-pressure air pocket then pulls the blade toward it, causing the rotor to turn. This is called lift.
- The force of the lift is actually much stronger than the wind's force against the front side of the blade, which is called drag.
- The combination of lift and drag causes the rotor to spin like a propeller, and the turning shaft spins a generator to make electricity.