Using wind energy is the use of wind turbines to generate electricity. This is a renewable energy source which is less harmful to the environment than burning fossil fuels. It is also a cost effective way of producing new electricity.
It is a major climate change solution
Among the many options for addressing climate change, wind energy is one of the quickest and most cost-effective near-term solutions. Compared to fossil fuels, wind turbines are less polluting and have a smaller impact on the environment. In addition, they can reduce air pollution and stabilize electricity prices.
Researchers studied the climatic effects of wind power by modeling the effect of a large scale wind farm on average surface temperatures on the continental U.S. Over a century, the warming effect of the turbines outweighed the corresponding reduction in emissions.
In their research, Miller and Keith investigated the best way to quantify the direct climate change effect of wind power. They used a model that included an interactive ocean. This allows the model to relax its constraint on sea-surface temperatures. They also estimated the health benefits of wind power.
Unlike previous studies, this study focused on the direct climate change effect of wind power. Although this is an important metric, it is not directly comparable to the climatic impact of other technologies.
It is a cost-effective source of new electricity
Using wind energy to produce electricity is one of the most environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional power sources. It produces no greenhouse gas emissions and does not contribute to mercury contamination of lakes or streams.
However, integrating solar and wind power into the grid is difficult at high levels because of the intermittency of these sources. Increasing the percentage of variable renewables in the grid can increase costs.
The levelized cost of electricity is calculated by dividing the average price of electricity by the fuel, capital, decommissioning, and operation and maintenance costs.
The IEA estimates the LCOE of onshore wind at $80/MWh in 2015, but the actual cost of electricity produced is considerably less. The cost of solar electricity is currently 20-50% lower than the IEA estimate.
Wind energy has been used for thousands of years to pump water, pump crops, and move boats along the Nile River. Today, wind is the fastest-growing source of renewable energy.
The IEA estimates that by 2030, wind will be the dominant source of renewable electricity in the U.S., supplying up to 20% of the nation’s electricity. Those figures are based on a variety of assumptions.
It is a threat to birds and bats
Several species of birds and bats are vulnerable to wind power. Aside from the risks of habitat loss, noise pollution and visual pollution, there are other effects of wind turbines on biodiversity. One of the most serious of these is the threat of collision with the moving rotor blades of the turbines.
The number of birds and bats killed by wind farms is increasing. These fatalities can be either direct or indirect. They are attributed to the disruption of migratory pathways, habitat fragmentation, or disturbance of feeding/roosting/nesting sites.
Previous studies have suggested high rates of collision with wind turbines at avian migratory bottlenecks. It is important to understand the global vulnerability of these species to wind farms.
The Adama I and II wind farm are located near dumping sites that could affect wildlife. The location of these turbines coincides with habitats that provide suitable foraging areas for bats. The presence of these facilities also causes agricultural expansion. The wind farms have only 1% of Ethiopia’s wind resources developed.
It can be used, connected to the electrical grid, or stored
Throughout history, people have used the power of wind to pump water, move boats, mill grain, and create electricity. Over the last few decades, the development of wind turbines has allowed for an increasing number of applications for this energy. Several countries have built substantial capacity in response to government incentives. Today, the world’s best renewable energy resources are often located far from population centers. In some areas, wind and solar are able to produce electricity more cheaply than fossil fuels.
However, the intermittent nature of wind and solar means that back-up generating capacity is needed. This is a major issue in the context of the growing grid integration of these two types of energy.
The cost of electricity produced from wind and solar is relatively low, as long as the technology is efficient. In some areas, the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) is less than the price of coal. With the increase in the scale of these renewable energy sources, LCOE can become competitive with nuclear.