Ranked #1821 among the 10,047 power generation facilities in the United States, the Forward Wind Energy Center stands as a notable contributor to the regional renewable energy landscape. With a capacity of 129 MW, this wind facility, commissioned in 2008 and operated by Wisconsin Public Service Corp, plays a vital role in harnessing wind energy in a country where natural gas dominates the energy sector. The United States has a total installed capacity of 1,386,385 MW, and with approximately 1,142 wind plants in operation, Forward Wind Energy Center ranks #341 in the wind sector, indicating its significance in the national wind energy output. Technologically, Forward Wind utilizes advanced wind turbine systems designed to convert kinetic energy from the wind into electricity efficiently. This facility's strategic location near other energy generation plants enhances its importance within the local grid. Within a 50 km radius, it is flanked by substantial gas facilities such as South Fond Du Lac and Concord, both boasting a capacity of 381.6 MW each, along with Germantown, which operates on oil with a capacity of 335.7 MW. Additionally, the facility is close to the Blue Sky Green Field Wind Project, which generates 145.2 MW, and Cedar Ridge Wind, producing 67.7 MW. This diverse energy mix in the vicinity underscores the region's reliance on a combination of renewable and non-renewable sources. In the context of the national energy profile, the Forward Wind Energy Center contributes a modest share of approximately 0.009% of the total U.S. capacity, exemplifying the gradual shift towards renewable energy sources despite the continued prevalence of gas. As the U.S. aims to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Forward Wind Energy Center represents a step forward in this transition. Its operation not only supports local energy needs but also aligns with broader environmental goals, making it a significant player in the ongoing evolution of the American energy landscape.
18 years old
United States of America, North America
- Primary Fuel Type
- Wind
- Energy Source
- Renewable
- Country
United States of America- Continent
- North America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Wind power generation harnesses the kinetic energy of wind to produce electricity, making it one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources globally. This process begins with wind turbines, which consist of large blades mounted on a tower. As the wind blows, it causes the blades to rotate, transforming the wind's kinetic energy into mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is then converted into electrical energy through a generator connected to the turbine. The efficiency of wind turbines has significantly improved over the past decades, with modern designs capable of generating power even at low wind speeds.
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