Wind energy

1. Wind energy

2. The nature of wind energy For any wind turbine, the power and energy output increases dramatically as the wind speed increases (see wind power profile. Therefore, the most cost-effective wind turbines are located in the windiest areas. Wind speed is affected by the local terrain and increases with height above the ground, so wind turbines are usually mounted on tall towers. Wind energy is the kinetic energy that is present in moving air : this kinetic energy in turn derives from the heating of the atmosphere, earth, and oceans by the sun. The amount of energy in the wind depends mainly on wind speed, but is also affected slightly by the density of the air, which is determined by the air temperature, barometric pressure, and altitude.

3. Using wind energy around the world Worldwide development of wind energy expanded rapidly starting in the early 1990s. In 1999, over $3.5B was invested in farms that use wind energy. Most of the investment was spent in Europe where conventional electricity costs are higher and where political motivation to reduce greenhouse gas pollution is greater. At the end of April 1999, 10,000 megawatts of wind-generated electricity produced some 22.5 TWh of electricity. That is sufficient electricity for all the industrial, commercial and domestic electrical requirements of about two cities the size of Madrid, Spain – a total of about 8 million people.

4. Wind energy is an ideal renewable energy Wind energy is an ideal renewable energy because: • it is a pollution-free, infinitely sustainable form of energy• it doesn't require fuel• it doesn't create greenhouse gases• it doesn't produce toxic or radioactive waste Wind energy is quiet and doesn't present any significant hazard to birds or other wildlife. When large arrays of wind turbines are installed on farmland, only about 2% of the land area is required for the wind turbines. The rest is available for farming, livestock, and other uses. Landowners often receive payment for the use of their land, which enhances their income and increases the value of the land. Ownership of wind turbine generators by individuals and the community allows people to participate directly in the preservation of our environment. Each megawatt-hour of electricity that is generated by wind energy helps to reduce the 0.8 to 0.9 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions that are produced by coal or diesel fuel generation each year.