536 Clean Energy
Wind Power
Energy from the wind has been used
for hundreds of years to pump water
and grind grain. In recent years, wind
is being used to generate electricity in
Europe and North America, India, China,
South Africa, and Brazil. Large and small
windmills generate electricity as the force
of the wind turns the blades.
Wind power may be the cheapest and
best way to replace fossil fuels for large‑scale
electricity generation. Large-scale wind projects
are often connected to national electric lines. For wind energy to work
well, constant strong winds are necessary. Coastal areas, open plains, and
mountain passes are best for wind power. Because wind in most places is not
constant, wind turbines require batteries to store the electricity or a back-up
power system (solar panels or a gas-powered generator).
Small-scale wind energy
Wind turbines are used to charge batteries for homes in some parts of the
world. But because wind energy relies on constant wind, requires careful
measurements to set up and maintain the turbines, and wind turbines may
be costly, this may not be the best choice for home or village electricity.
Wind may seem better at first glance than solar, because a wind turbine
may cost less than solar panels, but in the long term it needs more repairs
and maintenance.
(To learn more about wind power and to contact organizations that install
wind power systems, see Resources.)
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012