Wind Energy

Wind Energy

Wind energy is currently one of the largest-growing renewable energies because of its efficiency and ability to scale up. As of 2023, while the total cumulative installed wind power capacity around the world reached around 906 GW with the largest contributions coming from Europe, North America, and Asia (GWEC 2023), this number is expected to increase by an additional capacity up to 70 GW in 2024 showing the steady investments in the growth and technology of wind energy.

Wind Turbine Technology

Wind energy is the use of wind turbines to convert the kinetic energy of the air into electricity. The turbines convert wind energy into electrical power via the rotation of blades driven by a generator. The technical wind power potential around the world is estimated at around 72 terawatts (Think Global Green), making this one of the most viable forms of renewable energy.

The relationship between the power output of wind turbine and the wind speed can be estimated by Betz’s law. This law relates to the fact that no turbine can convert more than 59.3% of the kinetic energy in the wind to electricity. The theoretical maximum power a turbine can produce is given by the equation:

P = 0.5 × ρ × A × v3 × Cp

Where:

P = Power output (Watts)

ρ = Air density (kg/m3)

A = Swept area of the rotor blades (m2)

v = Wind speed (m/s)

Cp = Power coefficient (Betz limit of 0.593)

Environmental Impact

Compared to fossil fuels, wind energy has no airborne or water pollution emissions. Additionally, it has a very low carbon footprint of approximately 11 g CO2/kWh and is considered one of the cleanest sources of energy (Energy.gov August 2023).

Our Activity Report:

• Wind Energy: A Comprehensive Overview

• Essential Wind Turbine Components & Wind Energy Terms Definitions