Wind Power

Wind power is an indirect form of solar power because it is produced as a consequence of the kinetic energy of the wind due to the pressure and temperature atmosphere differences.

The wind can be considered as an mass of air in movement. This movement is originated as a consequence of the uneven heating of the Earth surface by the effect of solar radiation. Therefore, we can conclude that what originates the wind is the Sun.

Not until the late 19th century, the only energy not coming from animal used for mechanic work was the one coming from the water and the wind. The first time men used wind power was in navigation, being the Egyptian boats of the 5th century BC the first to use it.

The Persian, Babylonian, Egyptian and Chinese ancient civilizations used windmills to mill wheat and water the plains. Europe developed its own wind power technology, very different to the oriental one. The base of the European wind power was characterized by the use of horizontal axle mills in contrast with those with vertical axle which were used mainly in China.

With the European Renaissance, Europe changed significantly and the technological use of wind power was used a lot more, which meant that wind power could be used to mill the wheat, for water drainage, extraction of oils from seeds, etc.

The first mill which could generate electricity from wind power was created by Charles F. Brush (1849-1929) who is one of the founders of the electric industry in America. Thanks to him, the modern wind aerogenerator for the production of electricity was born.

The wind power world resources available reach 53,000 TWh a year. The total world electricity production was 17,531 TWh in 2004, therefore wind power could be enough to supply the world with all the electricity we need.

The leading countries in wind power in the world are: Germany, USA and Spain, with a power of 60% of the world wind power.

Wind power is a growing reality, in the sea and in the land, with a great potential to become an important substitute for non-renewable energy. Most of the countries which have reached a high wind power development are now considering the sea (offshore wind farms) These wind farms have been working for almost 20 years and they are compatible with the environment where they have been set up and have shown a great stability in the production of electric energy.

In Europe, inland and offshore wind power farms will be enough to cover more than 20% of electricity needs for 2020. Technology improvements and the more economic systems will increase this percentage.

The great stability in the production of wind power energy in a short and long term time span, with operation guaranteed for more than 2,000 hours a year, makes it one of the most solid technologies regarding technical reliability and energy production/cost of installation and maintenance.

It is a good time to refresh the energy system, use all our potential and creativity to guarantee the economic growth and sustainability for future generations. Wind power energy plays a key role in this time of changes.

Source: Wind Power Research Institute

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