Wind energy

Mother Nature Powering The Planet With Her Wind

We joke about it, and have been for years. “He talks so much, if we could bottle it, we could power the world.” “Break wind like that again and you can sail us to the New World.” We knew even then, that it could drive us and power what we needed. For centuries it has been used by numerous societies for various things. Wind power, a viable, renewable resource for energy.

Let’s take a look at a windmill. More than just a pretty backdrop in a field, they have been used to power machines as early as the first century. They were predominantly used for milling grain or for pumping water. The wind would turn the vanes, or blades, and the movement would, in turn, power a machine. Based on that simple principle, wind turbines have been designed. What differentiates them from a mill is that their sole purpose is to use wind to produce energy.

With the advancements to technology, wind power has really become a viable source of energy. Not only is it a clean source, meaning that no pollution is created when energy is created from it, it is also renewable. This means that we’ll never run out of it. Mother Nature keeps providing it each and everyday. It is also the least expensive renewable power out there at 4-6 cents/kwh. This is comparable to the traditional sources, but much better for the environment.

There seems to be many wind power pros. With it being, renewable, clean and cost affective, it seems to have many pluses. But, wait, there’s more! Farmers can use the electricity they harness using their turbines, and they can also earn some money from it by providing for others, supplementing their income. There are also larger electrical grids being used, which allows for greater generation for more people.

Nothing is ever perfect, which is why we must look at some wind power cons. Yes, in large storms there can be some damage, and yes they do seem to draw lightning. One of the biggest complaints is the noise they produce, averaging sound at about 50-60 decibels. The other is the variability of the wind. Wind speeds are not constant which makes the production of the electricity inconsistent.

Currently, there are many working on these matters. They have even taken it offshore. Offshore wind development is working on harnessing much of that power and providing it to heavily populated coastal areas. They are hoping to clean up some of the air pollution that is normally found with greater populations.

There may be some wind power cons, but with all the wind power pros, they seem to truly tip the balances. Because of this, many nations across the global are working on various improvements to it, in the hopes of increasing the amount of energy wind power supplies to aid in the global electricity demand. From offshore developments and wind farms to the small wind turbines individuals can use at home, wind power is definitely on the move in elevating the drain on both the planet and out wallets.