Wind Energy History

The history of wind energy begins about five thousand years ago in Egypt when sails were used on boats to travel from one destination to another. And, in Babylon in 2000 B.C. the first windmill was made. The years pass and wind energy history continues. By 10th century A.D. many windmills have been created that are as high as thirty feet and as long as sixteen feet.

According to the history of wind energy, the windmill was not discovered in the western part of the world until much later. The earliest history on wind energy wind mills in the western world only date back to the 12th century. These wind mills were created to be used for the milling of grain. And, according to the history on wind energy, these wind mills were not changed to be used as wind water pumps until a few hundred years later.

In the end of the 19th century, the farm windmill was invented in the United States. And, by 1889 there were approximately seventy-seven windmill factories in existence in the United States. It was not until the diesel engine was invented that many of the windmills were replaced.

The history on wind energy continues and in the 1930’s and 1940’s wind turbines were being made by the hundreds and thousands. These new inventions were able to provide electricity to farms that were out of the reach of power lines. They were also used to operate radio receivers, charge batteries, and provide light to light bulbs as well. They had two or three blades that were thin and produced energy to electrical generators. They are still, thankfully being created and utilized today.

The history of wind energy moves forward to the 1970’s as more wind turbine manufacturers are created, approximately fifty. Nowadays there are only about less than a dozen in existence. Due to energy prices climbing in 1973, interests begin to turn back to wind energy options. The wind powered models during this time have changed and the blades have become much larger with one wind turbine having the new capacity to supply energy to approximately seven hundred homes. In addition, smaller sized wind turbine machines are being made as well to accommodate varying needs and budget. And, in 1978, due to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act wind farms production begins to grow again. By 1997 the electricity in California is made up of approximately 2% wind power.

Nowadays, wind energy is being looked into even more so. With the growing need to preserve and protect our environment and save money, the need for natural resource alternatives is imperative.