Wind energy plays an influential role in addressing climate change on a global level. Many countries around the world have been working hard to lower their carbon emissions during the last decades. Some of the world’s leading markets, such as the US, Denmark, Australia and the UK have recognized the power of clean energy in reducing carbon pollution, and this can include wind.
By increasing the proportion of electricity generated from wind energy, we can lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. Wind farms do not emit greenhouse gases when they generate electricity, in contrast to coal and gas stations. An additional negative side in relation to both coal and gas as sources of energy is the amount ofwasted heat that cannot be easily transformed into electricity. Almost half of the energy used to produce electricity from gas and coal is lost during the production process, which is not the case with energy generated by the wind.
A group of young Canadians take it upon themselves to strive for a more sustainable way of life by building their own wind turbine from scratch. Video credit: Jake Beed (Action4Climate Competition)
Wind Energy In Facts
The year 2015 brought good news for wind energy sector, and it seems as if we will hear much more about this industry in the near future. Wind power assured its place as the inexpensive way of harvesting electrical power. As the emphasis on protecting the environment is growing, wind power is looking more and more suitable as an option for a sustainable future.
2014 was an exceptional year for wind energy, but 2015 is bringing surprises in terms of leading markets. Data obtained by GreenMatch and the Global Wind Energy Council indicates that Chinawill continue to lead the global market with a share of 40 to 45 percent. Additionally, new markets, particularly in Latin America and Africa, will emerge and Europe will continue its steady march towards its 2020 targets.
In terms of numbers and installed capacity, the UK has the largest offshore wind capacity in Europe with 55 percent of all installation followed by Denmark with 15,8 percent, and Germanywith 13 percent. The latest figures related to the UK’s wind energy sector indicate that not only was April a bumper month, but it also showed increase in public support. Development is motivated by desire to move away from the traditional feed-in-tariff structure to a market-based approach.
Forty percent of all wind energy in Europe blows over the UK, which is now exploiting its excellent wind resources in an effort to secure a target that 15 percent of its total energy supply comes from renewable sources by 2020. As the UK is running out of North Sea oil, it is moving towards renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal energy. All of it indicates that we will be seeing a lot more of wind power in the future, not only in the UK but in more regions around the world.
Photo credit: GreenMatch
The Future of Wind Power
Considering all the benefits of wind energy, it is not surprising that it is a fast growing industry. Although initial costs of installation are high, scientists are constantly seeking for ways ofreducing prices and developing new solutions. One of them is the usage of existing offshore oil platforms that are nearing the end of their useful life as an installation field.
Latest studies are showing high potential of new types of wind turbines, capable of harnessingstronger and more consistent winds, higher in the atmosphere. Even though these new models are in the testing phase, there are high potential and positive results associated with their development.
While electricity from onshore wind farms is already cheaper than conventional power in an increasing number of markets, relatively high costs remains the biggest challenge for offshore wind development. In today’s rapidly shifting environmental and energy policy landscape, an important goal of the wind industry is charge competitive prices with the fossil fuel industry andbecome affordable for not only commercial markets, but domestic ones.
Anja Duric is a communication specialist based in Denmark. She is freelance writer for web portals GreenMatch and GreenJournal with sustainable values in its core and aim to help people understand the importance of switching to renewable energy sources.