China leads the world in the production of wind energy via its installed capacity of 221 GW (gigawatt). This accounts for one-third of the world’s capacity.
Obviously, the Chinese have realized that this authoritative source of energy is everywhere, and they can use it to great advantage. Their competitors include the U.S., Germany, India, Spain, the UK, France, Brazil, Canada and Italy. Of course, this does not mean to say that other nations are entirely out of the picture. It is just that they have not gone in for large-scale usage of wind energy yet.
Admittedly, something special about wind power encourages the world to invest in it. Let us explore the dozen of reasons for it.
The world has always depended heavily upon fossil fuels for fulfilling its ‘power’ needs. However, they are non-renewable sources of energy. Additionally, they are responsible for destructive mining. Hence, renewable wind energy serves as the perfect alternative for reducing these evils.
Similar to the sun, the wind is a gift of Mother Nature. It is inexhaustible since the environment helps in its replenishment. Since scientists believe that the sun will shine brilliantly for another 6/7 billion ears at least, the world need not worry! The wind will be everywhere until then!
Non-renewable sources of energy like fossil fuels pollute the atmosphere. The large-scale emission of Greenhouse Gases contributes to global warming and climate change. In contrast, the production of electricity via wind turbines does not cause air pollution.
A research study conducted several years ago reached amazing conclusions! The world generally needs around 18 terawatts (TW) or more for fulfilling its energy demands. However, near-surface winds could provide 400 TW of power, while atmospheric winds could churn out 1,800 TW of energy.
By harnessing wind power (similar to harnessing solar power), residential areas can save largely on electricity bills. People need never worry about blackouts or fluctuations in energy expenses.
Then again, private landowners may sell the surplus power to electricity companies. It is easy enough to set up wind turbines with the aid of government incentives if any.
Wind turbines on their stands take up very little space. Therefore, it is easy to set up large-scale wind farms, even on private lands, without much trouble. It is possible to use the spaces between wind turbines for agriculture.
True, setting up wind turbines is an expensive affair, whether it is for residential or commercial purposes. However, once the turbines begin operating, there are no finances involved. The only costs that will come into play will be in the form of maintenance charges.
Unlike the older ones, modern models are of diverse sizes and are highly attractive. Additionally, the majority of the parts are recyclable. The recycled parts go into the making of new turbines. The fibreglass rotor blades are recyclable too. However, they are only useful for making bollards or posts.
The world looks towards nuclear and thermal sources too as alternative producers of electricity. In turn, the usage of water has to be huge also, merely for cooling these power plants! This is leading to terrible water scarcity. It does not help that there is water pollution too. Therefore, wind energy suffices to replace nuclear and thermal power stations, as well as to save water.
Since wind energy does not contribute to the global climate crisis, it keeps animal habitats safe. The Polar Regions, individually, will no longer confront the melting of ice and rising of oceans. In turn, this will prevent the extinction of several existing species.
It is easy to install wind turbines in the countryside and in small towns. With the availability of cheap electricity, cottage industries and small businesses will receive a boost. In turn, it will lead to more significant employment opportunities and lessen migration to the cities.
All manner of short-term and long-term employment opportunities come into being. They are Green Jobs. For instance, the setting up of wind farms or wind turbines requires the involvement of surveyors, meteorologists, assembly workers, structural engineers and so on.
Thus, wind energy is a sustainable source of energy for the future. It does not cause pollution or wastage. It prevents the exhaustion of natural resources and finally, it helps in saving a deteriorating environment.