Advantages and disadvantages of wind energy

The advantages and disadvantages of wind energy refers to the benefits and drawbacks in using wind as a source of energy production for humans. Wind energy receives this name because it comes from the wind, and it works based on the laws of aerodynamics : wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy.

Among the applications that humans have given to the wind as a source of energy we have:

• the navegation,
• food processing food,
• alter streams and irrigation.

Advantages of wind energy

Here are some of the benefits and advantages of using wind as a power generator.

1. Alternative energy source

Along with solar and hydroelectric energy, wind is one of the alternative energy sources to the use of fossil fuels. In fact, the wind has been used by humans for more than 5000 years as an energy source to produce jobs. Although the interest in wind energy seems very recent, as early as 1890 electricity began to be generated from the wind.

2. Renewable energy source

Wind is available everywhere on Earth throughout the year. It is not unreasonable to say that the wind currents of the world are inexhaustible.

3. Applicable to low and large scale

With technological advances in the construction of wind turbines and generators, it is now possible to make use of wind energy in large cities or by individual initiative.

4. Economic interest

The cost of generating wind energy has been falling for three decades, and more and more countries are interested in investing in the construction of wind mill parks. In 2010, the global wind power generation capacity was 197 thousand megawatts, while in 2018 it rose to 597 thousand megawatts, an increase of 300%.

Wind is the cheapest alternative form of energy, compared to solar and hydroelectric energy. Wind power plants can start generating power with a few turbines, which can be increased over time.

5. Affordable in secluded locations

It is possible to use the energy of the wind to generate electricity in:

• isolated villages in developing countries;
• in telecommunications towers, and
• homes off the public power grid, in fields and forests.

6. Clean energy

Wind turbines do not produce greenhouse gases or other toxic gases to function. By exchanging chemical energy from fossil fuels for wind energy, we are reducing the emission of greenhouse gases that cause global warming.

7. Technological development

The potential of wind energy increased considerably thanks to the associated technological development. Today’s turbines are much more efficient than those of two decades ago.

8. Facilities far from populated centers

The best places to install wind farms are generally in places that are far from populated centers, as these are the places where the wind occurs the most:

• On the tops of hills and mountains;
• On the seashores.

9. Low maintenance

Wind turbines have low maintenance and labor after installation is minimal.

See also Difference between sustainable and sustainable development.

Disadvantages of wind energy

1. Environmental impact

Large wind turbines kill birds, bats, and insects. A study conducted in 64 wind farms in Canada in 2016 estimated that more than 47,000 bats die each year from collisions with blades.

Especially, the problem is aggravated when the turbines are located in migratory corridors, as is the case in areas of Spain.

2. Weather unpredictability

Like solar energy, the wind also depends on the forces of nature. It varies in intensity, speed and direction.

3. Huge tracts of land

Wind farms need large areas of land: the turbines cannot be placed close to each other, as the wind is modified as it passes through them. Fortunately, the space under the turbines can be used for agriculture, unlike the centers of solar panels.

4. Systems can be damaged

Towers and turbines can be damaged in extreme weather conditions, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and ice storms.

5. Requires storage systems

Wind power is produced when the wind blows; thus, it is necessary to store energy in batteries to be able to have electricity when there is no wind. Batteries are expensive and made of toxic materials, which represent an ecological problem.

At the rate of energy consumption of modern civilization, it could not be 100% dependent on wind power for electricity supply.

6. Annoying noises

The movement of the turbine blades causes sounds that can be uncomfortable for the residents in the vicinity of the towers. Additionally, turbines can produce low frequency sounds (20-200 hertz) from a 20 dB exposure. This means that the noise is practically inaudible, unless you are very close to the tower.

7. Effects on human health

Exposure to wind turbines could be linked to sleep problems, tinnitus, and vertigo. However, aversion to nearby turbines can lead certain individuals to psychosomatic problems rather than biological problems directly.

8. Unpleasant to look at

Some people declare that the sight of large wind towers on the horizon are disturbing and aesthetically unpleasant.

9. Technological challenges

A turbine must be installed above 9 meters in height, ideally being as high as possible, and separated from obstructions (trees, buildings, houses, other towers) about 60 meters. This represents a problem in the installation of heavy turbines, which can cause a lot of damage if they fall.

You may be interested in knowing:

• The advantages and disadvantages of solar energy .
• The types of renewable energies .