Renewable energy is a definition that describes power that is obtained from natural resources, for instance from geothermal heat, waves, tides, rain, wind, and even sunlight. These resources are naturally replenished and are available globally, and most importantly, their utilization does not pose any danger to the environment. Wind power is generated through the conversion of atmospheric wind to produce electricity by the use of wind turbines. Wind is a natural occurring phenomenon, and it is found everywhere, which makes it a great reliable source of energy (Robert, Lloyd, & Randall 2002).
Advantages and Disadvantages of Wind Energy
The wind energy has numerous advantages and the first one amongst them is that it is a green energy. This means that the exploitation of wind energy is not known to cause any environmental pollution as other sources of energy like nuclear, coal, and fuels do. Also the energy is renewable as wind occurs naturally and it is not exhaustible. In fact, so long as the sun continues to shine, wind energy will be available for harnessing, and in accordance with the study carried out by scientists, the sun will still shine for the further 6-7 billion years. Although some regions are termed to be better located in relation to wind, this source of energy is abundant as its harvesting can be carried out almost all over the globe (Energy Informative, n.d.).
Generation of wind energy actually involves low costs where it is about 7-8c/KwH where the conditions are favorable. Technological advancements over the years together with higher demand for the source of energy have lowered prices. Furthermore, the production of wind energy does not need any fuel to operate the turbines, thus no fuel costs. The energy source enjoys offshore advantage since many of them are built near coasts, hence enjoying much better winds, no noise issues, and no land usage. Wind power over the years has grown to become a major conventional basis of energy, thus creating a big industrial base. This makes it possible for a quick exploitation of Wind energy in nearly all places on the earth (Energy Informative, n.d.).
Even though wind energy has so many advantages, the source of power has also its disadvantages. Many people argue that building of huge 200 meters lengthy towers in a place makes the environment lose its beauty and scenery. For instance, in the coastline of Massachusetts, the Cape Wind Power Project has stalled since the investors around the object were arguing that their housing properties would lose value. Wind energy is irregular as the energy is generated only while the wind is blowing. Therefore, someone may render to store power, which will lead to extra energy costs. The wind towers and turbines cover large tracks of land if they are poorly planned and constructed.
The whirring of wind turbine blades produces a persistent low noise, and this has made many people complain about the same. It is highly debatable on the issue of the wind energy’s cost competitiveness in the market as there are already other large established sources of energy like coal and fossil fuels. Animal protection organizations blame wind turbines for causing large avian fatalities. For instance, a research done in 2009 showed that wind energy was responsible for the annual deaths of 20,000 birds.
Feasibility and economic viability of wind energy is actually on the rise as the demand of energy rises on a daily basis. Incorporation of current transmission technologies, together with recent progresses in turbine technology, has the potentiality of increasing the effectiveness of wind power production. Therefore, undertaking of this project is economically viable as it has many returns (- energypedia.info, n.d.).
In conclusion, this study has enlightened the advantages of incorporating wind power in energy productions, of which the pros genuinely reveal how this project is economically friendly. From all the renewable energy sources, the most clean source of energy in this case is the wind; therefore, it would be beneficial for nations to embark on massive wind energy production and refuse from the environmental unfriendly sources of energy.
