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  1. The wind is free. Fossil fuels cost money.

    Once the initial costs of building wind farms and attaching them to the grid are paid usually within a couple of years, there are fairly minor maintenance costs for the 20 to 25 year lifespan of the wind farm (at which point it is usually replaced with bigger, modern wind turbines). Fossil fuel generation, by comparison, depend on a steady supply of coal or natural gas, which has prices which vary substantially in the short term, but are steadily trending higher on a longer time frame. In many places, wind energy is in the range of 5-6 cents USD per kilowatt hour, on par with or cheaper than direct costs of coal energy, and much cheaper when approximately 18 cents of negative impacts from coal are added in.

  2. Wind energy provides carbon-free energy. Fossil fuel energy contributes massive amounts of carbon to the atmosphere.

    Wind energy has a net CO2 balance which is every positive. There are CO2 production costs associated with mining, refining, manufacturing, transport and installation, but these are outweighed by the massive amounts of carbon-free electricity generated over the lifespan of the wind turbine. Fossil fuels, by comparison, release greater than their weight in CO2 when they are burned; burn a megaton of coal, get two megatons of CO2.

  3. Wind energy does not emit particulate pollution which kills people. Fossil fuel generation emits particulate pollution which kills people and harms the environment.

    Wind energy does not emit particulate pollution except for minimal amounts in construction. Fossil fuels, on the other hand, are basically burnt with resulting smoke and ash. Smoke and ash get into the atmosphere even with expensive scrubbing. One estimate indicated that coal kills 13,000 people in the US annually alone, and other has over 100,000 direct coal deaths in mining and transport in the 20th century.

  4. Wind energy does not pollute water and kill fish. Fossil fuels pollute water and kill fish.

    Wind energy is a net positive for ground water, and has no impact on rivers, lakes or oceans, except providing ore fish habitat when they are installed offshore. Fossil fuels frequently enter ground water, lakes, rivers and oceans directly in spills, or indirectly through air pollution. Acid rain is directly caused by coal generation.

  5. Wind turbines make good tourist attractions. No one pays to see fossil fuel generation plants.

    Many places including Japan, Atlantic City and Palm Springs, Nevada have a steady influx of tourists drawn in part by their wind turbines. The same can't be said for coal plants or natural gas generation plants. Rather, the obvious can be stated: people who live near them pay to get away to places with cleaner air.

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Why is solar power better than fossil fuels?

Solar power is better than fossil fuels for several reasons. Solar power is a renewable energy source that produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, unlike fossil fuels which contribute to air pollution and climate change. Additionally, solar power has a lower environmental impact in terms of water usage and land degradation compared to fossil fuel extraction and combustion.


What is the same between wind power and fossil fuel?

Both wind power and fossil fuels are used to generate electricity. Additionally, they both have the potential to impact the environment, although wind power is considered cleaner and more sustainable compared to fossil fuels.


Why is solar power better than burning fossil fuels?

Solar power is better than burning fossil fuels because it does not produce greenhouse gas emissions or air pollutants that contribute to climate change and harm human health. Additionally, solar power is a renewable energy source that is abundant and sustainable, unlike fossil fuels which are finite and contribute to resource depletion. Solar power also helps to reduce reliance on imported energy sources and promotes energy independence.


What is one way in which fossil fuels and wind power are different?

Fossil fuels are non-renewable sources of energy, while wind power is a renewable source of energy. Fossil fuels contribute to air pollution and climate change through carbon emissions, whereas wind power is clean and does not produce greenhouse gases during operation.


Why is wind power better than fossil fuels?

Because it is a renewable energy source. This means that it will never run out like fossil fuels. It is also clean to use - there's no pollution. In most cases, it is not better. Wind produces very little effective power. Wind systems require fossil fuel backup systems and kill many birds and bats annually. They can be effective though. In eco-villages most houses are often powered by a combination of solar cells and wind turbines. Believe it or not they aren't as harmful to the environment as you might think at first, however they can be quite loud when in close proximity to your house.

Related Questions

Why is solar power better than fossil fuels?

Solar power is better than fossil fuels for several reasons. Solar power is a renewable energy source that produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, unlike fossil fuels which contribute to air pollution and climate change. Additionally, solar power has a lower environmental impact in terms of water usage and land degradation compared to fossil fuel extraction and combustion.


Is solar power better then fossil fuels?

yes it is


Is hydroelectric power better than fossil fuels?

Hydroelectric power is better than fossil fuels because it is renewable. The water cycle ensures that there will always be water flowing downstream to turn turbines. Fossil fuels take millions of years to create.


Is there a better alternative if fossil fuels run out?

yes nuclear power


Are all the fuels fossil fuels?

No Solar and wind power are both not fossil fuels.


Are nuclear power stations better for the environment than power stations that burn fossil fuels?

Yes


How can a lump of rock end up as a power in several years?

Fossil Fuels Fossil Fuels


What are fossil fuels used for?

Fossil fuels are used to generate electricity in our homes and for to power our automobiles and other vehicles and power tools.


What fossil fuels are used in power plants?

All fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) are used in power plants.


How dependent is Australia on fossil fuels?

We are extremely reliant on fossil fuels as we use it to power our cars and in our homes.


What is the largest source of man made mercury in the environment?

power plants fueled by fossil fuels


What is the same between wind power and fossil fuel?

Both wind power and fossil fuels are used to generate electricity. Additionally, they both have the potential to impact the environment, although wind power is considered cleaner and more sustainable compared to fossil fuels.