Wind power cannot generate electricity 24 hours a day

How much wind does a wind turbine produce?

Wind turbines produce power between a minimum and maximum wind speed. Typically they are able to generate electricity in winds of about 7mph, so would not be built in sheltered areas where winds rarely reach those levels (the Beaufort Scale, which quantifies wind speed, says at this speed “wind is felt on the face; leaves rustle”).

Does wind energy go to waste?

This means that when wind power is at its peak, the amount of electricity being generated could potentially outstrip the amount that’s required by homes and businesses at that particular time. Fortunately, there are solutions to make sure excess wind energy doesn’t simply go to waste: 1. Storing energy to be used later

What happens if the wind doesn't blow?

When the wind doesn’t blow, or the sun doesn’t shine, other power sources are used. A report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory suggests that the United States could power itself with approximately 80% renewable energy, relatively easily.

How fast can a wind turbine run?

Wind turbines will generally operate between 7mph (11km/h) and 56mph (90km/h). The efficiency is usually maximised at about 18mph (29km/h) and they will reach their maximum output at 27mph (43km/h). Isn’t coal – a fossil fuel – needed to produce the steel that wind turbines are made from?

Can wind energy save electricity?

Wind energy has also proven to help utilities avoid costly spikes in electricity during peak demand hours. A recent SACE report demonstrated that wind energy could supply cost effective electricity for high electrical demand across the Southeast during the summertime.

How can we maximise on excess wind energy?

There are a number of ways that we can maximise on excess wind energy: In order for homes and businesses to use cleaner, greener energy, more renewables – such as wind power and solar power – will need to be connected to the electricity grid.