In this time of energy crisis and rapidly increasing prices, renewable energy resources are getting more and more prominent. Renewable energy is defined as any source of energy that’s naturally replenished. These resources include solar, geothermal, hydro, and tidal power. Biomass resources, such as timber, are also regarded as renewable.
A total of 18 percent of the energy used around the world came from renewable resources. The huge majority of this power came from hydropower. These sources are growing rapidly thanks to customer demand, government assistance, and improved incentives.
Among the fastest growing segments of this sector is wind power. It’s increasing by over 30 percent annually and is already popular in Europe, the USA, and parts of Asia. Presently, over 158 gigawatts of power globally come from this renewable source. That is more than 7 times the amount of power that comes from solar resources and is almost 2 percent of all of the power used in the entire world.
Wind power converts the energy of the wind into a usable form, usually by turning turbines to make electricity. Additionally, there are windmills and pumps out there. These devices are used to create mechanical energy or to pump water. This source of energy is 100 percent renewable, creates no greenhouse gases during operation, and is totally clean and ecologically friendly.
There are two primary types of turbines: giant turbines used on wind farms, and smaller turbines used for small operations. The former are housed in giant installations designed to make considerable quantities of electricity for commercial supply. These giant farms exist in areas with considerable amounts of wind. There are farms in several regions around the U.S. Great Plains, and more are being assembled. Many farmers who were more prone to make a profit have found they can now earn money by ‘farming’ the end. Additionally, there are farms installed overseas near many countries, especially those in Northern Europe.
Small scale operations demand smaller turbines designed to generate electricity for one home. Occasionally they may power small communities that are too isolated to tie into the grid. They are able to have a generating capacity of up to 50 kW, compared to the 781.5 megawatts produced at the largest farm in the world.
The costs of wind power have declined to the point where it’s economical for the average homeowner to consider installing a system. Additionally, there are numerous tax credits available to assist people in the U.S.. This can only increase the popularity of the rapidly growing field.
