The Present and the Future of Wind Energy

As we already mentioned before, wind and solar energy are two of the fastest growing energy sources in the world. Wind turbines, the enormous structures, are somewhat limited in their placement onshore, however. In different countries around the world there are different requirements, and they can even vary from region to region. Overall, as we outline in our text, the appetites for wind energy are rising exponentially.

The History of Wind Turbines

Interestingly, wind turbines are older than you would think.

Ancient Greeks were the first to engineer a wind-powered machine, in the I century AD. Windmills were being utilized in what is now Iran and Afghanistan for purposes like grinding grain and water pumping from the VII to XIX century.

Vertical windmills, used for grain grinding, started to proliferate in northwest Europe towards the end of the XII century. For generations, windmills popped up all across the European continent; think of the Netherlands, and their efforts to reclaim land from the sea.

Then the late XIX century saw the change to wind turbines for generation of power. An Austrian engineer created the first known wind turbine for power generation in 1883; later the same structures were erected in Scotland and the United States in the late 1880s.

Early wind turbines were tiny and unreliable, but turbine design and materials developed over the XX century. Larger, more efficient wind turbines capable of generating commercial power were therefore produced, and in the XXI century they became a driving force behind the shift to green energy.

Why Are Wind Turbines So Promising as a Technology?

Firstly, the technology is so effective, because, unlike solar panels, wind turbines work at night as well as during the day. Sure, there are windless days, but they barely happen, and even tiny gusts of wind can power these large structures.

Secondly, these large “fans” are relatively cost-effective. While the cost of raising a huge structure might be high, they generate much more electricity than solar panels. In fact, a single wind turbine can generate the same amount of electricity as seven football fields of solar panels. This means wind power has a much higher energy density. Wind turbines can convert around 50-60% of wind energy into electricity, while solar panels typically convert only 18-22% of solar energy into electricity. The Sun gives us a lot of energy, but we can’t really efficiently convert it into electricity, yet.

Of course, another promising aspect is the obvious one. By generating electricity from wind, we lessen our dependence on fossil fuels, which are finite resources with geopolitical and environmental complications. This fosters energy independence and security, while also reducing our contribution to global warming.

You can’t forget about all the economic benefits of a whole other industry popping up. Wind farms create jobs in manufacturing, construction, and maintenance. Additionally, landowners who lease land for wind turbines often receive payments, bringing economic benefits to rural communities.

Lastly, wind turbines have a relatively small footprint on land. They can coexist with agriculture and grazing, and the land beneath them can still be used for other purposes.

What Needs to Change?

While wind energy has undeniable advantages, there are some hurdles to it becoming even more widespread and popular.

Cost Effectiveness

Although wind energy has become more cost-effective, there's still room for improvement, especially when compared to heavily subsidized fossil fuels. Technological advancements to reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs, along with consistent government policies supporting renewable energy, could make wind a more attractive option.

Storing Surplus Energy

Wind is a variable resource, meaning it doesn't always blow. Large-scale, cost-effective energy storage solutions are needed to balance out the grid and ensure a reliable electricity supply when wind speeds are low. Advancements in battery technology or alternative storage methods are crucial.

Laws

Currently, there are different laws in Europe regarding the placement of wind turbines in respect to other buildings and generated noise levels.

• Poland: Poland recently revised its restrictive "10H" rule, which required a minimum distance of 10 times the turbine height between wind turbines and housing. The new regulation allows for a minimum setback distance of 700 meters, though industry groups had advocated for 500 meters.
• Germany: Setback distances in Germany vary by state. Some states require distances of 1000-1250 meters, while others have shorter setbacks of around 700 meters.
• Denmark: Denmark specifies a minimum turbine setback to homes as 4 times the total turbine height. If the distance is less than 6 times the total height, homeowners may apply for compensation from the developer for loss in home value.
• Sweden: Sweden limits noise to 35 dBA in recreational areas in the evening and at night, and to 40 dBA in residential areas at night.
• United Kingdom: While there's no national standard, some recommendations suggest setbacks of 500-600 meters. The UK Noise Association has suggested a more conservative 1600 meter setback.

Public Perception

While gaining acceptance, some public concerns remain regarding wind turbines. These include noise generation, visual impact on landscapes, and potential risks to birds. Addressing these concerns through improved turbine design, responsible siting practices, and open communication with communities can help gain wider public support. Perhaps it’s time to reevaluate the priorities; while protecting wildlife is important, so is reducing carbon emissions which will also save lives.

Recycling

While wind energy is clean during operation, the manufacturing process and decommissioning of wind turbines can have some environmental impact. It’s even worse when you use batteries to store surplus renewable energy. Focusing on sustainable materials and responsible end-of-life practices can minimize this impact. In the future, we also expect new processes to emerge, which will make the process much more environmentally friendly. We must also set and enforce policies ensuring responsible recycling of turbines and batteries.

Conclusion

There is huge interest in the area of solar & wind energy. The laws are changing around the world, and they must change, as the vast majority of the European countries, apart from Norway and Sweden, have a long way to go to achieve net zero emissions.

While challenges remain – from cost reduction to energy storage solutions – advancements in technology, improved regulations, and open communication with the public can all pave the way for a future powered by wind. By embracing wind energy, we can ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.