Cleaner energy is definitely being promoted in these 11 biggest wind farms in the world. Because of how dangerous some other sources of energy can be. The demand for better energy sources increased. Structures like power plants, factories and nuclear energy centers caused a lot of environmental problems. They created waste and a lot of pollution. Because of this, the world has been slowly exploring the options for natural energy. We’ve recently had a lot of development in terms of solar, hydro and geothermal energy. In recent years, the demand for wind energy and wind farms has been increasing.
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Wind energy is definitely a good source of power as it does not threaten the environment. It uses wind in such a way that it does not disturb the flow but instead uses it. The countries that have applied this technology have definitely benefitted with a greener and cleaner environment. You’ll find that most of the locations of these wind farms are among the 10 Greenest Countries in the World. Wind farms can occupy the biggest land areas in the world. It takes a lot of structures to acquire energy from the wind.
These farms are listed based on how big they are and how much energy they produce. Interestingly, most of these wind farms are in the United States. There are other countries that have broken through and have promoted this alternative source of energy. Let’s find out more as we explore the 11 biggest wind farms in the world:
11. Sweetwater Wind Farm
Located in Sweetwater, Texas, this wind farm is responsible for a good amount of energy used by the state. This wind farm is so huge that it took five stages of development and construction. There are almost 400 wind turbines working at the farm and provide different amounts of energy. They were also supplied by different manufacturers.
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10. Fowler Ridge Wind Farm
This wind farm is located near the city of Fowler in Indiana. It was envisioned during 2005 but construction did not proceed until 2008 when the farm was acquired by another energy company. Construction of the wind farm took 2 phases and you can see the structures through some highways near the area.
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9. Fantanele-Cogealac Wind Farm
This wind farm is the largest in Romania and currently has 250 active wind turbines. It was originally built by a United States developer but was eventually sold to a Czech energy group. Construction for this large farm started in 2008 and was completed during November 2012. It occupies 1,100 hectares of an open field.
8. London Array
The only offshore wind farm to be included in this list, the London Array is the largest offshore wind farm in the world and the strongest wind farm in Europe. Phase 1 of the farm was completed mid-2013 and Phase 2 is currently being discussed because of concerns regarding sea birds. It currently has 175 active wind turbines.
7. Capricorn Ridge Wind Farm
Another wind farm located in Texas, the Capricorn Ridge Wind Farm has more than 400 active wind turbines that provide power to around 220,000 homes in the area. The area where this wind farm is located is known to be a great area for using the wind as an energy source. There have been numerous investments in the farm in recent years which could possibly mean an expansion.
6. Horse Hollow Wind Energy Center
With 430 active wind turbines, this energy center is one of the largest in Texas. Construction for this wind farm started in 2005 and was completed by late 2006. The wind farm has been subject to a lot of lawsuits because of locals disliking the look and sound of the center. No one has ever won a lawsuit against it though.
The biggest wind farms in the world are yet to come just keep on reading.
5. Roscoe Wind Farm
As the name denotes this wind farm is located in Roscoe, Texas. It was previously the world’s largest wind farm with 634 active wind turbines. It was constructed in four phases at the cost of $1 billion. It was completed in 2009 and is significantly larger than Manhattan.
4. Shepherds Flat Wind Farm
Located in Oregon, this wind farm is one of the largest in the United States and started operating during 2012. The wind farm has approximately 400 active wind turbine. They also have investments from big companies like Google.
3. Jaisalmer Wind Park
The Jaisalmer Wind Park is the largest onshore wind farm in India and is located in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan. It was completed during April 2012.
2. Alta Wind Energy Center
Located in California, the Alta Wind Energy Center is the largest wind farm in the United States. It is also one of the oldest wind farms having installations dating back to the 1970s, and one of the strongest wind farms in the country producing $1 billion annually and providing more than 3,000 jobs.
1. Gansu Wind Farm
Though not yet fully completed, the Gansu Wind Farm is already the biggest wind farm in the world by far. This farm is so huge that it provides the energy that is comparable to a nuclear power plant. It is located in Gansu province, China. It is one of six major wind farms to be constructed in the country.
This has been the list of 11 biggest wind farms in the world. It is good that countries are now looking to use alternative and environmentally-friendly sources of energy.
