What does Wind Power entail?

Wind power is power which is derived from wind. Wind power is thus basically the conversion of wind energy into a useful form of energy, such as electricity. There are numerous ways to collect and use wind power; wind turbines and windmills are two such methods. Wind power is considered to be a form of clean energy, since wind is an entirely renewable resource. Wind power is thus one of the most abundant sources of renewable energy. Although wind power is still a relatively new approach to solving the world’s global demand for energy, several countries are able to supplement their energy needs using it.

How is Wind Power Generated?

Two techniques which has been used rather successfully to generate wind power is windmills and wind turbines. Windmills are a wind power technique which has been in operation for thousands of years. Windmills are used mostly to turn millstones or operate a pump for a well, thus utilizing the wind power directly on site for various needs. In contrast to windmills, wind turbines are a fairly new technique used to generate wind power. In the case of wind turbines, the wind turns the turbine and the turning of the turbine subsequently generate electricity, a usable form of energy. The electricity generated through this wind power technique is very convenient as it can be transported off site. This means wind power can generate energy to be used at the most remote locations. However, it should be noted that wind power generated from wind turbines is less efficient than energy used directly; this is attributed to the fact that energy is lost in the conversion and transmission process.

Why choose Wind Power over other forms of energy generation?

As mentioned before, wind power is a form of clean energy, due to it being an entirely renewable resource. This is why wind power is considered preferable to many other forms of energy generation such as coal burning power plants, nuclear power plants and hydroelectric power plants. Coal burning power plants utilize resources which are not renewable and as such pollute the air. Nuclear power plants do not pollute the air so much; it is rather the nuclear fuel being spent which represents a serious problem. Hydroelectric power, on the other hand, involves constructing dams to harness the energy in water. Not only do dams interfere with the health of waterways, but it also damages habitats.

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