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Multiple Choice

Which of the following are disadvantages of wind generation?

Wind generation has notable downsides that affect how reliably it can power the grid. The main disadvantages are the high upfront construction cost for turbines, foundations, and transmission upgrades; the variability of wind, which means output rises and falls and cannot be depended on to stay constant; environmental concerns such as impacts on wildlife (birds and bats), noise, and visual or land-use effects; and the limited capacity factor, meaning even large numbers of turbines can only supply a portion of demand most of the time. Because wind is intermittent, meeting steady electricity needs often requires backup generation, storage, or strong transmission and forecasting to smooth supply. The other statements describe benefits or false assumptions (environmental benefits, constant abundant wind, no environmental impact), which do not capture these challenges.

Wind generation has notable downsides that affect how reliably it can power the grid. The main disadvantages are the high upfront construction cost for turbines, foundations, and transmission upgrades; the variability of wind, which means output rises and falls and cannot be depended on to stay constant; environmental concerns such as impacts on wildlife (birds and bats), noise, and visual or land-use effects; and the limited capacity factor, meaning even large numbers of turbines can only supply a portion of demand most of the time. Because wind is intermittent, meeting steady electricity needs often requires backup generation, storage, or strong transmission and forecasting to smooth supply. The other statements describe benefits or false assumptions (environmental benefits, constant abundant wind, no environmental impact), which do not capture these challenges.