What are the major advantages of wind energy? The simplest definition of wind is that it is moving air. Many people never realize the importance of wind, yet this natural phenomenon can be used to provide energy.
Wind, which is moving air, possesses some kinetic energy due to its high speed. The wind is a result of solar energy, as the heating of land results in the movement of air.
The most common application of wind could probably be kite flying! Or even
paragliding, sailboats, etc. Well, these activities are definitely not possible without
wind.
Ever wondered what else it could be useful for?? Wind energy can be
harnessed and used for generating electricity or for other smaller purposes by a
windmill. In olden times, windmills were used to draw water out of wells or to
grind flour, etc. It is the rotatory motion of the shaft in a windmill that is used to
rotate the turbine and convert it to the form of energy we need in.
The main advantage of wind energy is that harnessing it doesn’t disrupt natural
processes or harm the environment, unlike a lot of other energy sources. To
generate electricity on a large scale, several windmills are set up over a large
area, called wind energy farms. Such areas need a wind speed of 15kmph
Wind energy is energy that we get from the wind, as it blows naturally across the earth. Another name for wind energy is wind power. It is important to note that wind energy does not really refer to the wind itself. Rather, the phrase wind energy refers to the energy (which usually comes in the form of electrical energy) that we have derived from the wind. Wind energy is harnessed nowadays using wind turbines - rotating blades on a long stalk-like structure. A group of wind turbines is usually referred to as a wind farm.
Major Advantages of Wind Energy
These are some of the major advantages of wind energy:
1. Clean energy: Wind energy is also a green form of energy. The use of fossil fuels has been identified as a major contributor to global warming and climate change. Harnessing wind energy does not release noxious gases into the atmosphere or pollute the earth. Hence, wind energy is a good source of power because it does not pollute the environment.
2. Does not get exhausted: Unlike exhaustible fossil fuel, wind energy can be harnessed as long as the wind blows, and that is an eternity. This makes wind energy a sustainable form of energy.
3. Minimal disruption to land use: if a wind farm is installed in a field, that field can simultaneously be used for grazing. So, harnessing wind energy does not disrupt how land is used for agriculture or other purposes. Again, this can be contrasted with a fossil fuel-guzzling factory, which will take up land that was once green and pleasant and prevent that land from being used for anything else at the same time.
4. Less complex: once a wind farm has been set up, it will work of its own accord, generating energy whenever the wind blows. In addition, wind farms can be set up to power themselves as it were so that a small portion of the electricity that they generate is used sustainably to power the wind farm itself.
4. Cost-effective technologies: The technologies used to harness wind power can be set up at low costs when compared to other sustainable and renewable energy sources. Thus, wind energy is among the cost-effective means of energy generation.
5. Not controlled by cartels: Wind energy is not controlled by cartels, making the cost of power low for domestic and commercial users.
6. Job Creation: Investing in wind energy generation creates job opportunities in the local economy.
7. Connected to nature: many people enjoy wind energy because they feel connected to nature. Knowing that your home is being heated thanks to the gusts of wind that are blowing just outside the window is a special thing.
Advantages of Wind Energy
1) Wind Energy is an inexhaustible source of energy and is virtually a limitless resource.
2) Energy is generated without polluting the environment.
3) This source of energy has tremendous potential to generate energy on large scale.
4) Like solar energy and hydropower, wind power taps a natural physical resource.
5) Windmill generators don’t emit any emissions that can lead to acid rain or the greenhouse effect.
6) Wind Energy can be used directly as mechanical energy.
7) In remote areas, wind turbines can be used as a great resource to generate energy.
8) In combination with Solar Energy they can be used to provide a reliable as well as steady supply of electricity.
9) Land around wind turbines can be used for other uses, e.g. Farming.
Conclusion: The world should, therefore, strive to move towards clean energy sources such as wind to conserve the environment and curb global warming and climate change.