An Excerpt of its many Advantages and Challenges
hit a record 17 GW in 2020, bringing up the total to 122 GW.
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Updated November 2026. This was first published on 18 April 2022. The idea is the same. Any number below is what the original piece said then. It is not a new count.
Key takeaways
- Newly installed wind capacity in the U.S.
- hit a record 17 GW in 2020, bringing up the total to 122 GW.
- The usage of wind as a source of energy surprisingly dates back to quite a period.
Newly installed wind capacity in the U.S. hit a record 17 GW in 2020, bringing up the total to 122 GW.
The usage of wind as a source of energy surprisingly dates back to quite a period. As early as 5000 BC, wind energy had been used to propel boats across the river Nile. Further on, by 200 BC, wind-powered water pumps came to be used across China, while people across the Middle East and Persia had started to use windmills with woven-reed blades to grind grains. Eventually, wind turbines and pumps came to be massively deployed for food production, water pumping, wood cutting, and so on.
As the world progressed toward using fossil fuels to literally exploiting the same, renewables have once again taken center-stage as a viable alternative energy source. To that end, wind power has been used extensively for energy generation given its myriad advantages. Essentially, the process involves harnessing wind to generate electricity. Well-designed wind turbines are used to convert the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical energy, which is then converted to electricity.
Wind power is one of the fast-growing alternative energy technologies. In the last decade or so, numerous wind farms have been installed the world over, with one of the largest being the London Array, equipped with 175 turbines, 20 km off the Kent coast. A considerable number of other projects are in the works, as wind energy races ahead to become one of the most reliable renewable energy sources.
Advantages of Wind Energy #
Wind energy boasts of an incredible number of benefits, which explains its extensive adoption worldwide.
Lesser dependency on fossil fuels #
Fossil fuels have been used for energy generation since a very long time, But, they are quite overtly exhaustible and at some point, the earth is bound to run out of supply. With the influx of wind energy though, the dependency on fossil fuels will considerably reduce, given that as long as there’s an endless supply of wind, energy generation from the same will continue to be viable.
Overly investing in fossil fuels, which we may run out of anyway, has started to feel like a waste of private funds and tax dollars. On the contrary, wind energy is infinite and is certain to justify, to some extent, the investments poured into it. Not to mention, unlike fossil fuels, wind power does not cause health and environmental problems due to pollution.
Cost-effective energy source #
Wind power is one of the most cost-effective energy technologies out there, since wind turbines run purely on the power of wind generated. Once a turbine is installed, no further fuel or power is necessary to run the same. In effect, not only are the installation costs of wind farms decent enough, it even boasts of low operating costs, especially when compared to other forms of renewable energy.
Wind energy is also low-priced and affordable for customers. As per the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, wind power costs merely 1-2 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). The electricity generated by wind farms is sold at a fixed price and over a long period, So price hikes is not something that customers may encounter, that is usually an issue with fossil fuel power generation.
Clean form of energy #
A follow-up to the benefit of lesser dependency on fossil fuels, this particular advantage has placed wind power as one of the most superior energy generation alternatives. Wind power is one of the cleanest forms of energy as it does not contribute to climate change by way of emitting carbon and greenhouse gases during energy production. Nor does it pollute the air by means of fossil fuel combustion, the way coal or natural gas power plants do. Wind turbines solely rely on the wind for functioning and thereby, do not produce atmospheric emissions causing smog, GHGs, or acid rain. In effect, the production of wind energy does not lead to air pollution and environmental damage, neither does it corrode buildings or destroy water ecosystems.
Unlike fossil fuels or nuclear power plants, wind energy boasts of very low water consumption footprint ? making it a vital cog in hydrological resource conservation. It also contributes toward reducing the burden on the global healthcare ecosystem, since it does not release air contaminants or particulate matter that trigger respiratory ailments, chronic diseases such as cancer, and heart disorders.
Renewable source of power #
Wind supply being natural and abundant, wind energy is a highly renewable, sustainable source of energy. Since the last decade or so, wind power capacity has grown at a highly appreciable rate worldwide. Indeed, wind is currently the largest source of renewable power in the United States.
It is to be remembered that wind is actually a form of solar energy, as winds take root due to the Earth’s rotation, its surface irregularities, and the atmospheric heating caused by the sun. As long as the sun exists as a vital energy source, wind energy will continue to thrive, while the energy so produced can be effectively used to send power across the grid.
No disruption to farm operations #
Wind farms can be constructed on existing ranches, farms, or any open land. This proves to be a win-win situation for both farmers and energy suppliers. Farm owners can lease their pre-existing farmlands to the latter for wind farm construction ? thereby, not only do they earn substantially by leasing their land. even energy suppliers are saved from the trouble of creating new land space for wind turbine installation.
Wind turbines actually take up very little space at the ground level, so the arrangement does not exactly disturb farm operations. Not to mention, using existing farmlands or cattle lands for wind farms greatly benefits the rural economy as it allows farm owners to have a reliable second source of income.
Consistency in technological advancements #
Wind turbine manufacturers are surveyed to remain abreast of the latest technology. With the influx of major advancements, conventional wind turbine designs have been converted to highly efficient energy harvesters. Turbines are now available in a range of sizes, thereby enabling different businesses as well as people to turn to wind energy as a source of power. With improvements in technology, turbine designs and functionalities have undergone a major change, on account of which they now run safely, are quieter, generate more electricity, and require less maintenance.
Sophisticated technology does not impact the mechanics of wind turbines. once installed and commissioned, do not require a lot of maintenance anyway.
Potential job creating sector #
Wind energy production is one of the largest industries across the globe, creating more and more jobs for the masses. The design, manufacturing, installation, and repair and maintenance of wind farms indicate that the field will continue to require skilled technicians. wind power production sector is already responsible for over 100,000 employments.
As per the Wind Vision Report, wind power is likely to support more than 600,000 jobs in installation, maintenance, manufacturing, and supporting services by 2050. As the demand for wind energy grows, more and more jobs are expected to be created in the forthcoming years.
Challenges of Wind Energy #
Although operational and maintenance costs for wind power have considerably reduced in the recent years, to emerge as an ultimate low-cost energy source, wind energy projects must be capable to compete with the lowest-cost source of electricity. To that end, not all locations may necessarily be windy enough to be cost competitive. Not to mention, the initial cost of installation for wind power is still quite exorbitant.
Another point of consideration is that offshore wind farms are far more expensive overall, when compared to onshore wind farms as well as solar farms. This is especially an issue in countries such as India, where offshore technology is far more expensive ? nearly two or three times than onshore technology. Globally, the costs of operations and maintenance (O&M) can vary depending on how optimum the working conditions on wind farms are.
Remote locations #
This is one of the biggest challenges that wind energy industry players are attempting to resolve. that is to say, for the wind energy systems to work in full capacity, the winds need to be really strong. To find locations that have such weather all the year round is quite a challenge, since such locations are rather less in number worldwide.
The ones that do have such weather conditions are often located in remote areas, far away from cities. So, to bring electricity from these farms to the urban locales can prove to be a challenging affair ? transmission lines need to be built for power transfer. can require significant investments in terms of time, finance, and resources. Infrastructure management turns out to be a major challenge here.
Non-profitable land issues #
While wind farm installations on existing lands may not disrupt farming operations, it may still prove to be unsuitable in case the land is viable to be used for other purposes. In effect, wind resource development may not be the most profitable way the land may be used ? there may be another alternative use for the land, perhaps something more economically beneficial than electricity generation.
In such a scenario, wind power projects often compete with other land-based projects since the massive size and scope of windmills prevents many landowners from leasing their land for power generation.
Noise pollution #
While one of the biggest advantages wind energy has is the lack of impact on the environment, one of its biggest challenges is the noise and aesthetic pollution it causes. There have been numerous concerns over decades that that tower installations on wind farms spoil the aesthetics of the location. Also, complaints regarding the noise produced by the long turbine blades have been mounting since long.
Unfortunately so far, there doesn’t seem to be a viable solution to this issue, making it one of the major challenges the wind energy industry is facing today. There are of course, many modern designs that make lesser sound than earlier, but overall, the issue of noise pollution remains a strong challenge.
Wildlife issues #
Wind power plants have been found to negatively impact local wildlife. It has been observed that the spinning turbine blades often result in the death of birds. Although technological advancements have served to considerably reduce these incidents, the erection of wind farms is still considered as a potential threat to wildlife.
On account of the negative impact that wind power can have on wildlife such as bats and birds, the issue turns out to be a major reason for delaying the development of wind farms even in high-quality wind resource areas. The disruption has also caused wind energy industry contenders to face issues regarding siting and obtaining the required permission from regulatory authorities.
What does the future hold? #
As on today, climate change has become more than a pressing concern. In consequence, the demand for renewables is on a consistent high, making wind power production one of the most vital processes in the energy ecosystem. Reducing carbon and GHG emissions is at the forefront of environmental protection. Renewables as a whole, will prove to be crucial in fulfilling the Paris Agreement, reducing air pollution, providing safe access to energy worldwide, and improve general health. Wind power is a critical part of the renewable energy spectrum and will emerge as a key solution to resolve the climate crisis worldwide.
The ubiquity of wind energy can already be seen. According to International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), wind power is likely to cover around 35% of global power needs and emerge as the world’s foremost energy generation source. To reach that stage though, installed wind power capacity across the globe must reach 6,000 GW by 2050. Asia may emerge as a leading wind energy market, holding over 60% of offshore and 50% of onshore wind installations by 2050. Despite the existing challenges, increasing demands for wind energy production may lead to the creation of more jobs, result in a cleaner environment, and bring about commendable socio-economic benefits.
Questions and answers #
What does the future hold? #
As on today, climate change has become more than a pressing concern. In consequence, the demand for renewables is on a consistent high, making wind power production one of the most vital processes in the energy ecosystem.
Farm owners can lease their pre-existing farmlands to the latter for wind farm construction ? #
thereby, not only do they earn substantially by leasing their land. even energy suppliers are saved from the trouble of creating new land space for wind turbine installation.
So, to bring electricity from these farms to the urban locales can prove to be a challenging affair ? #
transmission lines need to be built for power transfer. can require significant investments in terms of time, finance, and resources.
In effect, wind resource development may not be the most profitable way the land may be used ? #
there may be another alternative use for the land, perhaps something more economically beneficial than electricity generation.