Reference no: EM133927731

Assignment:

I am the CEO of an Energy Company and we are looking into implementing wind farms in New York City! While having such a compact city, utilizing every aspect of space to create safe and renewable energy is vital for our progress toward a cleaner planet. While living in such an energy-demanding environment, implementing renewable energy for the city of New York will help hit their renewable goals. According to Renewable and Sustainable Energy reviews, "New York, USA wants to reduce carbon emissions by 80% in 2050." Having wind turbines will help meet those goals while utilizing relatively unused space.

There are many positives for wind energy, but like most renewables, there are many drawbacks. For instance, although New York City is a coastal city wind may be inconsistent and if there is not enough wind there won't be enough energy being produced. However, wind energy does have the advantage of "flexibility" there are many different sizes and shapes of wind turbines, and these different styles can be used to adjust to the area in which they're being implemented in. Another benefit of these turbines being on top of skyscrapers would be the improved access to wind. Improved access means there wouldn't be very many obstacles slowing down the wind. Another pro would be a relatively low cost for wind energy! For example according to the US Department of Energy, "The average levelized price of wind power purchase agreements signed in 2013 was approximately 2.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, a price that is not only cost competitive with new gas-fired power plants but also compares favorably to a range of fuel cost projections of the gas-fired generation." Not only does this help reduce the use of newer fossil fuel generating plants, but it shows that even though we're advancing our technology in non-renewables, it still can't compete price-wise with renewable energy solutions.

Having wind as the renewable energy of choice for the city will also create jobs within our growing economy. This is important because as we transition from non-renewable energy, we need to have jobs for people to transfer to. According to New York Wind Energy Guide, "All phases of wind development bring increased economic activity to the local area." This will bring many jobs in construction, to help prepare the buildings and to help prepare the grid for the intake of renewable energy, manufacturing to build the components of the turbines, and Jobs to maintain them as well.

Do you think that wind is the right choice? Or do you think a combination of renewals is a better option?

Should all new skyscrapers (or buildings) being built require renewable energies to be implemented?

How would you feel about these renewable energy sources being in your "backyard?"