Recent studies have shown that nearly 25 percent of global electricity is now coming from renewable sources, and that includes wind energy. Tens of thousands of new turbines are being built every year, which has many people wondering what the future has in store for this industry.

Current State of the Industry

Many people are surprised to hear that wind is the second most widely used renewable source of energy. Wind energy capacity is growing by an average of 25 percent every year, and some people expect that to grow as technology improves. As with many other sources of renewable energy, two of the biggest hurdles that wind energy experts are facing is storing and transporting the electricity. As batteries and power lines continue to improve, wind energy costs will fall.

Advancements in Wind Energy Technology

For many years, the only way to turn wind into electricity was to spin large blades. While traditional turbines are quite effective, they have some distinct drawbacks. In addition to being expensive, they also take up an incredible amount of room. Recently, improvements have been made in wind turbine technology. A few different companies from around the world have developed wind turbines that turn vibrations from the wind into electricity. These turbines are somewhat similar to wave energy converters that turn the rocking motion of waves into energy.

Pros of Wind Energy

One of the biggest benefits of wind energy is the fact that it is extremely efficient. A single commercial turbine can easily power hundreds of homes, and some of those turbines have been designed to last for decades. Wind turbines can also produce energy during the night as well as the day. As long as the wind is blowing in any direction, the turbine will remain functional. Finally, some experts believe that wind turbines could easily generate 20 times the amount of power that the entire human population needs.

Cons of Wind Energy

It is important for green energy enthusiasts to remember that wind energy has benefits and liabilities. Building a turbine and getting it running requires a huge amount of money, and some turbines won’t cover their initial building costs for nine or 10 years. That means they will only be profitable for 15 or 20 years. The blades on the turbines can be a threat to birds and other flying wildlife as well. Large wind farms could potentially impact huge flocks and migration patterns. The amount of concrete used in the construction equates to a lot of co2 emmited, however this is more than made up for very quickly once the turbines are operational. 

Wind energy might not be perfect, but the industry is advancing at an astounding rate. Within the next few decades, it could end up being one of the most efficient forms of renewable energy.

Limitless Energy are designers and installers of renewable energy systems in Wales and beyond. We are energy consultants for domestic and commercial projects and can produce reports detailing potential opportunities to help reduce energy consumption and receive financial support. Contact us today for a consultation on how a renewable energy system could benefit your home, your business, and the environment!