1. Wind Energy Assessment as A Mitigation to Climate Change: A GIS-Based Approach Case of The Atlantic OCS Region, US.
- Author
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Tabi, Stephano
- Subjects
- *
WIND power , *CLIMATE change , *GEOGRAPHIC information systems , *CONTINENTAL shelf - Abstract
Wind energy refers to the process of creating electricity using the wind, or air flows that occur naturally in the earth's atmosphere. Considered as a free and low-carbon energy, wind energy source has handy the attention of decision makers around the world. Wind energy has the possibilities of reducing the worlds dependence on fossil fuels and has a very huge potential to impart sustainable development of both climate and energy. This paper is focusing on the wind energy potentials of the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf Region of the United States, as a strategic location to develop wind farms that would help mitigate climate change. We used a GIS based approach in identifying suitable locations for wind farms and assessing wind energy potentials as a mitigation to climate change by using a weighted overlay of geospatial layers corresponding to these criteria. Results showed that a wind turbine runs practically emissions-free for 20 years, a viable alternative to burning polluting fossil fuels that offset all emissions within the first 6 months of operation. The Atlantic OCS Region present us with enormous wind energy potentials. Findings in this paper projects that from 2020, wind power alone would save 9.25 billion tons of CO2 every year. On average, each kWh of wind power generated would avoid 600 grams of CO2 (Global Wind Energy Council). Renewable energy would help mitigate climate change in an excellent way. However, we need sustainability in order to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022