Wind power is the process of harnessing energy from the movement of the wind and converting it to useful forms of mechanical power and electricity. Today, most wind energy comes from turbines – essentially giant windmills. The wind turns two or three of the turbine’s propeller-like blades around the turbine’s rotor. The rotor is connected to a main shaft, which spins a generator to create electricity.
Although the name does not suggest as much, wind power is actually a form of solar power. Sunlight causes temperature differences across the Earth’s surface, and the differences in surface temperatures force warm air to rise and create winds. Harnessing the energy from these winds is therefore a function of solar power. Want a full rundown on wind and how it occurs in nature? Read on in this helpful explanation.
The beauty of wind power is that it is derived from a virtually unlimited and inexhaustible resource: the wind. Unlike energy that relies on fossil fuels, wind energy produces far fewer carbon emissions and pollution. In addition, most wind turbines/wind farms, once established, don’t have exhausting operational costs.
It seems like a no-brainer. An inexhaustible resource, clean energy. So what’s the hold up? Why isn’t everything fueled by wind power?
Unfortunately, wind turbines and wind power take up a large portion of land and the process can be pricey to set up. When built close to residential areas, turbines can be noisy and/or unsightly. Additionally, the amount of energy harnessed from wind power can vary daily, depending on wind conditions. Regardless, as technology advances, more and more countries are adopting wind power solutions.