The advantages and disadvantages of wind energy refers to the benefits and disadvantages of using wind as a source of energy production for humans. Wind energy receives this name because it comes from the wind, and works based on the laws of aerodynamics: Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy.
Among the applications that the human being has given to the wind as a source of energy we have:
navigation, food processing, altering watercourses and irrigation. Wind energy Advantages Disadvantages For society Applicable on a small or large scale Economic interest Technological development Low maintenance Requires storage systems Annoying noise Effects on human health Aesthetic disturbance Technological challenges For the environment Alternative energy source Renewable energy source Non-polluting Environmental impact Susceptible to damage For the planet Affordable in remote locations Remote facilities Unpredictable weather Huge tracts of land
Advantages of wind energy
Here are some of the benefits and advantages of using wind as a power generator.
1. Alternative energy source
Along with solar and hydroelectric power, wind is one of the alternative energy sources to the use of fossil fuels. In fact, the wind has been used by humans for more than 5,000 years as an energy source to produce jobs. Although the interest in wind energy seems very recent, as early as 1890 electricity began to be generated from the wind.
2. Renewable energy source
Wind is available everywhere on Earth throughout the year. It is not unreasonable to say that the world’s wind currents are inexhaustible.
3. Applicable to small and large scale
With technological advances in the construction of wind turbines and generators, it is currently possible to use wind energy in large cities or on an individual initiative.
4. Economic interest
Southeast I Wind Power Plant, on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Mexico (Credit Presidency of the Mexican Republic).
The cost of wind power generation has been falling for three decades, and more and more countries are interested in investing in the construction of wind farms. In 2010, the global wind power generation capacity was 197,000 megawatts, while in 2018 it rose to 597,000 megawatts, an increase of 300%.
Wind is the cheapest form of alternative energy, compared to solar and hydroelectric power. Wind power plants can start generating power with a few turbines, which can be increased over time.
5. Affordable in remote places
It is possible to use the energy of the wind to generate electricity in:
isolated villages in developing countries; in telecommunication towers, and homes outside the public electrical network, in fields and forests.
6. Clean energy
Wind turbines do not produce greenhouse gases or other toxic gases to operate. By switching chemical energy from fossil fuels to wind power, we are reducing the emission of greenhouse gases that cause global warming.
7. Technological development
The wind energy potential increased considerably thanks to the associated technological development. Today’s turbines are much more efficient than those of two decades ago.
8. Facilities far from populated centers
The best places to install wind farms are generally located in places far from populated centers, since these are the places where the most wind is produced:
On the tops of hills and mountains; On the sea coasts.
9. Low maintenance
Wind turbines are low maintenance and labor after installation is minimal.
See also Difference between sustainable and sustainable development.
Wind Power Disadvantages
1. Environmental impact
The large wind turbines kill birds, bats and insects. A study carried out in 64 wind farms in Canada in 2016 estimated that more than 47,000 bats die per year due to collision with the blades.
The problem is especially aggravated when the turbines are located in migratory corridors, as is the case in parts of Spain.
2. Weather unpredictability
Like solar energy, wind also depends on the forces of nature. This varies in intensity, speed and direction.
3. Huge tracts of land
Wind farms need large tracts of land: the turbines cannot be placed close to each other, since the wind is modified as it passes through them. Fortunately, the space below the turbines can be used for agriculture, unlike solar panel centers.
4. Systems can be damaged
Towers and turbines can be damaged in extreme weather conditions, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and ice storms.
5. Requires storage systems
Wind power is produced when the wind blows; thus, it is necessary to store the energy in batteries to be able to have electricity when there is no wind. Batteries are expensive and with toxic materials, which represent an ecological problem.
At the rate of energy consumption of modern civilization, it would not be possible to depend 100% on wind energy for the supply of electricity.
6. Annoying noises
The movement of the turbine blades causes sounds that can be uncomfortable for residents in the vicinity of the towers. Additionally, the turbines can produce low frequency sounds (20-200 hertz) from a 20 dB exposure. This means that the noise is practically inaudible, unless you are very close to the tower.
7. Effects on human health
Exposure to wind turbines could be related to sleep problems, tinnitus, and vertigo. However, aversion to nearby turbines can lead certain individuals to psychosomatic problems rather than direct biological problems.
8. Unsightly
Some people claim that the sight of large wind towers on the horizon is disturbing and aesthetically unpleasant.
9. Technological challenges
A turbine should be installed above 9 meters in height, ideally as high as possible, and separated from obstructions (trees, buildings, houses, other towers) about 60 meters. This represents a problem in the installation of heavy turbines, which can cause a lot of damage if they fall.
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References
DeGunther, R. Alternative Energy for Dummies. Wiley Pub. 2009.
Schmidt, JH, Klokker, M. Health Effects Related to Wind Turbine Noise Exposure: A systematic Review. Plos One 2014; 9: e114183. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114183
Zimmerling, J.R., Francis, C.M. Bat mortality due to wind turbines in Canada. The J. of Wildlife Management 2016: https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.21128