6.12 wind energy

Wind turbine electricity generation

Kinetic energy of wind spins a turbine, generators converts mechanical energy of turbine to electricity

Wind turbine location

Clusters in grouped (wind projects/ farms) in flat, open areas (mostly rural)

Offshore wind: wind farms in ocean or lakes

Wind energy pros vs cons

Pros:

-non depletable

-no GHG or air pollutants

-no CO2 release

-can share land use

Cons:

-isn’t always available

-can’t replace base-load power

-can kill birds & bats

-can be considered noise pollution

N/A

N/A