Wind

Wind can be used to generate electricity. Wind power spins turbine blades which in turn spin a shaft  that is connected to a generator that makes electricity.

The amount of electricity made by a wind turbine generator depends on how fast the wind is blowing. In storms, wind turbines are stopped for safety.

What's good about using the wind

• It doesn't produce CO2 emissions.
• It's a renewable resource.
• It is a great use of a fuel that is free.
• A wind farm can be built reasonably fast.
• The land that wind farms are on can still be used for agricultural farming; therefore the land has a dual purpose.
• It is cost-effective with other forms of renewable generation.

The problems of using the wind

• It does not always blow when electricity is needed. When there is no wind, no electricity can be made.
• Unlike water in dams, wind cannot be stored.
• Good wind sites are often located far from cities where more electricity is needed.
• Wind resource development may compete with other uses for land. Those other uses may be more highly valued than electricity generation.

A wind turbine looks like a huge fan, but…

• A wind turbine works the opposite of a fan.
• Instead of using electricity to make wind – like a fan – wind turbines use wind to make electricity.
• The wind turns the blades which spin a shaft which connects to a generator and makes electricity.
• Large turbines range in size from 50 to 2000 kilowatts.
• Single small turbines – below 50 kilowatts – are used for homes, telecommunications dishes, or water pumping.