Wind Generated Electricity

Wind energy conversion systems ('wind turbines') are designed to convert the energy of wind movement (kinetic energy) into mechanical power, that is the movement of a machine. In wind turbine generators, this mechanical energy is converted into electricity. Electricity generated can be either stored in batteries, or used directly. The global wind energy sector has experienced dramatic growth in the past decade and is expected to continue growing by around 18% per annum until 2010.

There is no doubt that interest in wind energy development has intensified as concerns about carbon emissions from traditional coal, oil and gas-fired power generation grow. Increasingly, wind energy is proving to be a viable and clean energy source in countries throughout Europe, the US, Canada, India, and China, and demand is growing exponentially. The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) estimates that global cumulative wind generating capacity will reach 135 GW by 2010, more than double the present amount. Annual installed capacity is expected to reach 17.8 GW by 2010, compared to the 11.5 GW installed in 2006. (By way of comparison, a typical nuclear reactor has a capacity of 1 GW, while a large coal-fired power station is usually in the range 1.0 –1.2 GW.)

Improvements in turbine technology and the ability of electricity grid managers to integrate variable wind energy output have been important drivers for the growth in wind generating capacity. However, by far the most important spur for growth has been regulatory support, typically in the form of mandatory targets for sales of power from renewable sources, including wind. While this support varies widely by jurisdiction, most countries have implemented, or are considering implementing, regulatory mechanisms to encourage investment in renewable energy generally, and wind power projects in particular. Political support at the national and international level will continue to underpin the growth of the wind energy sector.