What is Wind Power?
Wind power is generated with the help of wind turbines. These turbines use the kinetic energy of wind to create mechanical energy. The mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy.
- Wind power is a renewable and free resource. It is the cleanest source of energy.
- The most natural element of nature can help harvest electricity without hindering the natural flow of wind.
- Wind power project does not contribute to greenhouse gasses nor emits any harmful matter that may cause health issue. It is a harmless method to generate electricity.
The U.S. in the past decade has increased its wind power by 15% per year. Wind power is now the largest source of renewable power in the U.S.
Even with so many positive factors, there is one issue that limits the progress of wind power.
One Limitation of Wind Power
Wind energy is restrained due to one factor and that is cost.
Construction of turbines and wind farms or facilities is expensive. The cost of wind power has dramatically decreased in the past years. However, the initial cost of construction and maintenance of wind turbines is high.
- A wind turbine costs $2.6 to $4 million per average size.
- The cost of wind energy is around $1.3 million/MW of electricity-producing capacity.
- The cost of the turbine increases with its size.
Technological advancement is needed to lower the cost and increase energy production. Using of lesser number of turbines along with larger turbines can benefit the economical side of wind power. With the use of fewer turbines, the construction and complication of establishing wind power farm will reduce.
- The current price of wind power is an average of $0.02 per kilowatt hour.
A recent report suggests that the selling price of turbines have fallen, around $800/kW. This suggests that for installation the average cost is around $1,350/kW.
With the drop in scale, the aim to create a clean source of energy is becoming more clear and possible.
