The simplest definition of wind is that it is moving air. Many people never realize the importance of wind, yet this natural phenomenon can be used to provide energy.
Wind energy is energy that we get from the wind, as it blows naturally across the earth. Another name for wind energy is wind power.
It is important to note that wind energy does not really refer to the wind itself. Rather, the phrase wind energy refers to the energy (which usually comes in the form of electrical energy) that we have derived from the wind.
Wind energy is harnessed nowadays using wind turbines – rotating blades on a long stalk like structure. A group of wind turbines is usually referred to as a wind farm.
Major Advantages of Wind Energy
These are some of the major advantages of wind energy:
1. Clean energy: Wind energy is also a green form of energy. The use of fossil fuel has been identified as a major contributor to global warming and climate change. Harnessing wind energy does not release noxious gases into the atmosphere or pollute the earth. Hence, wind energy is a good source of power because it does not pollute the environment.
Also read: Is Wind Energy a Renewable or Non-Renewable Energy?
2. Does not get exhausted: Unlike fossil fuel which is exhaustible, wind energy can be harnessed as long as the wind blows, and that is an eternity. This makes wind energy a sustainable form of energy.
3. Minimal disruption to land use: if a wind farm is installed in a field, that field can simultaneously be used for grazing. So, harnessing wind energy does not disrupt the way in which land is used for agriculture or other purposes. Again, this can be contrasted with a fossil fuel guzzling factory, which will take up land that was once green and pleasant and prevent that land from being used for anything else at the same time.
Also read: Wind Energy: Pros And Cons Of Wind Energy
4. Less complex: once a wind farm has been set up, it will work of its own accord, generating energy whenever the wind blows. In addition, wind farms can be set up to power themselves as it were, so that a small portion of the electricity that they generate is used sustainably to power the wind farm itself.
4. Cost-effective technologies: The technologies used to harness wind power can be set up at low costs, when compared to other sustainable and renewable energy sources. Thus, wind energy is among the cost effective means of energy generation.
5. Not controlled by cartels: Wind energy is not controlled by cartels, making the cost of power low for domestic and commercial users.
6. Job Creation: Investing in wind energy generation creates job opportunities in the local economy.
7. Connected to the nature: many people enjoy wind energy because they feel connected to nature. Knowing that your home is being heated thanks to the gusts of wind that are blowing just outside the window is a special thing.
Conclusion: The world should, therefore, strive to move towards clean energy sources such as wind to conserve the environment and curb global warming and climate change.
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