7 MAIN ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF WIND POWER - ENVIRONMENT - 2024

The advantages and disadvantages of wind energy include its inexhaustible condition and its unpredictability, respectively. Wind energy is that which is obtained from the wind, something that has been used for many years to generate electricity.

In this constant search to work with cleaner energies whose impact on the environment is the least possible, wind energy has become the most advanced and efficient of the entire category of renewable energies.

Wind power is projected to have greater prominence in the coming years. Source: pixabay.com

Although it is currently estimated that approximately 3% of the electricity consumed in the world comes from wind generation, it is projected that by 2040 the energy coming from the wind could meet 20% of the demand in Europe and reach 9% in all the world.

How does wind energy work?

Wind energy is obtained when the force of the wind moves the blades of a wind turbine or mill.

In this way, the kinetic energy of the breeze is converted into mechanical energy and, in turn, the movement induces the output current through a magnetic field, thanks to the contribution of an electrical generator that is in the system.

Wind energy can be produced in parks full of wind turbines or in domestic mills to obtain the electricity needed for the home.

It is a type of energy that has been used since ancient times, as the force of wind currents has historically been used to, for example, move ships using sails and mobilize mill machines.

It was from the 20th century that wind turbines began to be used to take much more advantage of the benefits of wind energy.

Upgrades

Over the years, there has been a deepening of improving the performance of wind systems, both in extracting as much energy as possible with the design of the blades and in ensuring that it reaches much more efficient generators and is transported with the least possible amount of losses.

Likewise, the study of the behavior of the wind has been deepened, with the most coveted places being those that have certain characteristics such as direction, maximum speed, temperature and seasonal behavior, among other factors.

It is worth noting that the environmental impact also plays a predominant role since, although for many it is amazing to see hundreds of mills turning to the beat of an invisible hand, it also changes the natural landscape considerably.

Advantage

Among the main benefits of wind energy are the following:

It is inexhaustible and renewable

Since wind is a natural resource that does not end, wind energy is inexhaustible because you can always count on the source that gives rise to energy.

Consequently, wind turbines could be in operation for a hundred years because there will always be the presence of wind to drive them.

Is clean

Wind energy is considered to be the cleanest of all renewable energies since it does not generate any type of waste, so its production does not cause pollution, does not affect ecosystems or contribute to global warming.

As it does not come from burning fossil fuel, no toxic gases are emitted during its generation, thus reducing the greenhouse effect. Neither waste is thrown to the ground, which avoids its contamination as well as the water.

Is safe

As it does not generate any type of toxic waste and, in addition, it does not pose any lethal risk in the event of an accident, it is considered one of the sources of energy that provides greater security both to those who work it and to those who are near the wind turbines.

However, handling wind power generation systems requires specialized hands, especially in the operation and maintenance of its components.

It is easy to install

Unlike solar energy, wind turbine parks do not require large areas to install, which makes them very efficient.

Also the technology that is required to install and uninstall wind farms is very simple, which means that it is energy that is very easy to generate.

It is economical

Comparatively, wind energy lowers the prices of electricity consumption in the market versus that which comes from fossil fuels. This is due to the fact that their production costs are falling more and more thanks to the technological advances that are developed to improve their efficiency.

Additionally, the investment per installed kwh is very attractive, considering that the wind is free.

Generate wealth and jobs

Wind energy, in addition to all the advantages it has in itself, is an excellent source of job creation and, consequently, wealth. In those places where wind turbine parks are installed, unemployment is considerably reduced.

Another aspect to take into account is that, as it does not require extensive land areas, this energy is completely compatible with other economic activities such as agriculture and livestock.

Promotes sustainable development

As it reduces the consumption of fossil fuels, it has a positive impact on climate change.

Additionally, it has better performance in winter, as the wind is usually stronger during this season. This comes in handy since it is a time when more electricity is required for the use of heating and lighting systems.

Promote tourism

Wind power generation parks are very attractive and are highly regarded by ecotourism and technology lovers. It is increasingly common to find majestic photographs that harmonize nature and windmills.

Disadvantages

Although wind energy is constantly growing in the world as it is considered one of the most efficient and green sources of electricity that exists, it is also important to bear in mind that it brings with it some disadvantages that must be considered. Among these cons, the following stand out:

It's noisy

Wind turbine parks cause a lot of annoying noise, so they are usually built away from populated centers to avoid causing this nuisance.

Recently, improvements have been made to turbines that have considerably reduced the noise pollution they generate.

It's unpredictable

Because it is generated by the action of the wind, it is very difficult to plan its management since there are not always breeze currents and it is not even possible to have a certain stability in its speed.

This has also improved with advances in meteorology, but there is still no tool that is completely accurate to know what the behavior of the wind will be like.

To mitigate this disadvantage, the times for conducting studies associated with the behavior of the wind in specific areas have been lengthened, but being so durable, it is not possible to predict many years in advance.

Low effectiveness per unit

Because the wind density is low, a high concentration of wind turbines running at the same time is required for truly profitable power generation.

Impossible to store

It is an energy that cannot be stored, so it is necessary that the electricity it produces be immediately consumed.

For this reason, until now wind energy cannot be completely considered as a substitute for other types of energy.

Need transportation

As wind turbine parks are usually installed far from populated centers or centers with greater consumption, in their installation all the planning of an energy transport system must be considered in order to make it immediately reach consumers. This results in a small loss of energy, as well as additional costs.

At low voltage levels, conductor heating losses are often a determining factor in the feasibility of projects of this type.

Has visual impact

For some people it can be a cause of visual pollution, for example, seeing a cluster of wind turbines at the top of a mountain that breaks the peaceful surroundings.

That is why the construction of wind power generating parks has an aesthetic impact on the landscape that can cause inconvenience to the local population.

Put wildlife at risk

When the turbines are in operation, their blades are a real risk for the birds and bats in the area, since if they were to collide with the wind turbine, this would surely cause death.

This danger is usually the flag of animal defense organizations to oppose the construction of wind turbine parks.

Requires other backup systems

Wind energy is regularly a complementary system to other generation techniques, which represents a double expense in the connection of the end user.

When wind energy is available, it is usually used as the first option; but in its absence requires the use of batteries, solar energy, thermoelectric or other variants.

Developing energy

Like all electrical power generation systems, it is necessary to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of installing each solution, always checking the inputs available, such as fossil fuel, water flow, wind, etc., in such a way to achieve the best possible solution.

It is a reality that progress will continue to achieve more efficient energy and its disadvantages will be reduced over the years, so it can be said that the trend will continue, leading to an increase in the percentage of electrical energy obtained through the wind..

References

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2. "What are the advantages and disadvantages of wind energy?" (August 21, 2018) in Okdiario. Retrieved March 26, 2019 in okdiario: okdiario.com
3. "Wind and its advantages" in the Wind Business Association. Retrieved March 26, 2019 in the Wind Business Association: aeeolica.org
4. Varea, R. (March 26, 2019) «Renewables to structure a territory» in El País. Recovered March 26, 2019 in El País: elpais.com
5. "Wind Power" in National Geographic. Retrieved March 26, 2019 in National Geographic: nationalgeographic.com