Beyond the Breeze: Unexpected Benefits of Wind Energy in the Southeast
By Becks Frank, Social Media and Communications Intern at the Southeastern Wind Coalition
Wind energy is on the rise in the Southeastern United States, and it’s doing more than just creating much-needed power—it’s unlocking unexpected opportunities for communities across the region. While still an emerging sector in our region, wind energy is driving positive change by stabilizing the energy grid, bolstering local economies, and delivering affordable electricity to communities. Here’s a closer look at five unexpected ways wind power is reshaping the Southeast.
Wind Power is a Pillar of the American Energy Industry
The prominence of wind energy in the United States showcases how important wind power is to the American energy industry. Across all 50 states, the wind power industry employed almost 120,000 Americans in 2023. Wind turbine technician is the fastest-growing job in the country and is projected to increase at a rate of 44% over the next decade. In eight states, wind provides a quarter of the total electricity produced. Wind energy is a powerful pillar of the
American economy and energy industry.
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Onshore Wind is the Most Affordable Energy Source
Onshore wind energy has the lowest Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), or the average cost of generating electricity over a power plant’s lifetime, of any energy source. Onshore wind costs $27/MWh, which is overall less expensive than solar, at $29/MWh, and natural gas at $110/MWh. Additionally, wind energy has no underlying fuel costs, so the price isn’t affected by disruptions in global markets. Even without federal subsidies, wind remains a cost-effective and essential piece of a balanced energy portfolio.
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Wind Power Increases Grid Reliability
The reality of wind power is that it’s incredibly reliable. Power plants and advanced grid systems work together to adjust wind energy output to match changing demand seamlessly. Even during extreme weather, when other energy sources may struggle, wind turbines can exceed production expectations and stabilize the grid. Wind power is an important addition to “all of the above” energy plans that help to keep the lights on across the Southeast.
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Wind Turbines Promote Clean Air and Community Health
Wind turbines provide numerous health benefits to the local communities. Turbines generate clean energy without polluting the air, improving the overall air quality. Unlike traditional power plants, wind turbines do not use water to function, which is especially important in areas facing water scarcity. Additionally, modern turbines are quieter and are typically placed far from residential areas, ensuring minimal disruption to daily life during construction and operation.
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Wind Farms Increase Property Values and Strengthen Local Economies
Wind energy projects are bringing unexpected economic benefits to communities in the Southeast. Studies show that properties near wind farms often stabilize or even increase in value over time as communities reap the rewards of job creation, tax revenue, and infrastructure improvements. For example, in Tunica County, Mississippi, the Delta Wind project has spurred significant economic growth, transforming one of the region’s poorest counties into a thriving hub of opportunity. These projects do more than provide energy—they’re driving economic prosperity and shaping a brighter future for rural communities.
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Wind energy is more than just a power source; it’s also a catalyst for economic growth in the Southeast. As wind projects expand across the region, they bring new jobs, support rural economies, and contribute to a more resilient power grid—unlocking opportunities that might come as a surprise. By embracing these benefits, we can build a cleaner, more sustainable, and more prosperous Southeast together.
For a quick overview of these unexpected benefits, check out our fact sheet on the same topic.
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The Southeastern Wind Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advancing the wind industry in the Southeast, with a focus on supply chain growth, economic development, job creation, and developing wind energy solutions that benefit both industry and communities. Discover more about SEWC’s mission and explore the story of wind energy in the Southeast at www.sewind.org.
