Obtaining energy from wind is nothing new; in fact, wind energy has been in use for more than 2000 years. However, with more urgency being placed on finding solutions to fossil fuel dependency and clean sources of energy, wind is becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable option. The World Wind Association reports that currently wind energy accounts for only about 1% of global energy generation, with some countries and regions reaching 20% and more. All industry analysts predict wind energy use will only continue to grow at a rapid rate.
Easy to Use
Wind power is one of the most easily realizable forms of alternative energy as it offers a renewable source of readily available energy; wind energy does not produce any greenhouse gases and has, in various forms, a proven two thousand year track record of working for humanity. The ability to locate wind turbines offshore and in rural locations also makes wind a popular and versatile form of alternative
No fuels are used in its production and the energy produced from wind does not produce any climate warming gases.
Wind energy converts kinetic energy into mechanical and ultimately electric energy through a wind turbine. No fuels are used in its production and the energy produced from wind does not produce any climate warming gases. Yes2Wind, a joint effort between environmental groups Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and WWF, believes wind energy is vital to our efforts to tackle climate change.
Wind energy is a cost effective renewable energy source, even after considering the financial and carbon cost of manufacturing, shipping and constructing wind farms, it still proves to be an economically robust energy generator. The most efficient wind farms can generate electricity at about 3 cents per kilowatt per hour, comparable to coal —the cheapest energy source available. Wind is a much more sustainable and clean compared to polluting coal plants. The David Suzuki Foundation explains if the Canadian province of Ontario replaced its coal facilities with a combination of renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation, the province could reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 35 MT – the equivalent of taking all the automobiles and light-duty trucks off the road in Ontario.
Wind Turbine Concerns
Yes2Wind reports wind farms do not present a serious threat to bird populations. The UK-based Royal Society for the Protection of Birds believes climate change is the most significant threat to the environment, much more significant than wind farms. Natural Life Magazine reports studies demonstrate in the U.S. alone turbines kill between 40,000 and 70,000 birds per year, but when compared to the estimated 57 million birds killed each year by cars, wind turbines are far less dangerous than automobiles for the bird population.
The negative effects of offshore wind turbines’ vibrations on animals using sonar is another concern posited by environmentalists and animal welfare groups. The American-based Acoustic Ecology Institute found wind farms add 80-110dB (re 1uPa) to the existing low-frequency ambient noise (under 400Hz); this could adversely affect baleen whale communication and add to their stress levels. Marine conservancy groups continue to investigate the consequences of offshore wind turbines on marine animals and birds.
There are some individuals who have also reported adverse health effects when exposed to the vibrations produced by wind turbines, including headaches and nausea. When the negative ramifications of wind energy is compared to the negative effects from any of the other fossil fuels currently in use, the fossil fuels are significantly more detrimental to the environment and animal life.
Europe is the largest producer of wind-generated electricity in the world.
The Future
Wind energy is a growing clean energy sector. Natural Resources Canada estimates wind energy produces more than US$9 billion dollars in revenue each year. Wind energy use currently accounts for more than 23% of Denmark’s energy needs, 4.5% in Germany, and about 8% in Spain. Europe is the largest producer of wind-generated electricity in the world. The World Wind Association reports global growth of wind-based energy increased to 24% in 2005, up more than 5% since 2004. As more and more governments are committing to investing in renewable energy, wind farms will continue to appear in increasing numbers across the countryside and shorelines around the world.
Resources
Australian Clean Energy Council: http://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/
British Wind Energy Association: http://www.bwea.com/
Canadian Wind Energy Association: http://www.canwea.ca/
Danish Wind Energy Industry Association: http://www.windpower.org/en/core.htm
European Wind Energy Association: http://www.ewea.org/
Global Wind Energy Council: http://www.gwec.net/
The Acoustic Ecology Institute: http://www.acousticecology.org/
The Renewable Energy Center: http://www.therenewableenergycentre.co.uk/
World Wind Energy Association: http://www.wwindea.org/
Yes2Wind: http://www.yes2wind.com/
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