How does wind energy work

Wind can be used to generate electricity. The energy in the wind spins the turbine blades. They in turn spin a shaft connected to a generator and this makes electricity.

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

A wind turbine looks like a huge fan, but…

• A wind turbine works the opposite way to 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 5000 kilowatts.
• Single small turbines, below 50 kilowatts, are used for individual homes, telecommunications dishes and water pumps.

Wind energy in New Zealand

New Zealand has one of the most consistent wind energy resources in the world. Our wind farms operate at an average of 45 percent of maximum capacity, compared with an international average of only 24 percent.

On average, New Zealand wind farms generate twice as much electricity compared with wind farms overseas.

Find out more about wind generation – read our brochure Facts about Wind Energy (PDF 384KB)