Wind Energy
Have you ever stopped to wonder what those giant windmills were doing in the middle of open fields? Have you ever wondered how wind power converts wind into clean, environmentally friendly energy? Many in the UK have begun to take notice of the potentially beneficial aspects of wind energy. As an environmentally clean and valuable energy source, British Gas is taking notice too.
The UK's unique position in the world makes it one of the best locations in the world for using renewable energy. According to the BBC's investigation into renewable energy, the UK has the most suitable climate for alternative energy sources in Europe.
Wind farms are by far, the most common way of attaining energy from the wind. Usually containing several wind turbines, wind farms have become more advanced in both environmental and technological developments. Since 1991, when the UK first embraced wind energy, they were introduced as potentially beneficial but highly expensive. Over the past decade, initial costs have fallen, and therefore the cost of receiving electricity from the wind has dropped dramatically.
By 2005, there were 1,043 wind turbines at 84 sited around the UK providing 0.4% of the UK's electricity supply. Not limited to land, there are also two offshore wind farms at Blyth and North Hoyle.
How do wind turbines work?
Wind turbines are actually quite a simple concept from an engineer's perspective. Natural wind forces the turbine's strong blades to rotate, which in turn spins an internal shaft. This shaft is connected to a generated that conducts the electricity. Wind turbines usually have three large blades and can rotate at 10-30 revolutions per minute.
What are the Advantages?
Wind power enables electricity to be produced in a clean, environmental way - as wind turbines never produce chemical or radio active pollution. Furthermore, if a wind turbine is to be torn down, there is no damage to the environment and no contamination left behind.
Why Isn't Wind Power Our Primary Power Source?
The main obstacle in making wind energy more mainstream is cost. The initial costs of establishing wind farms is difficult for many wind farmers, but as the need to use more environmentally friendly methods of electricity production increases, it will be an avenue to explore.
Is there a future in wind energy?
The government appears to think so and so does British Gas. Recent legislation, both in the UK and elsewhere around the world, has introduced initiatives and proposals to ensure more energy comes from wind energy. In fact, according to the British Wind Energy Association, this legislation will ensure that 15% of the UKs renewable energy will come from the wind.
British Gas is joining in the solution and working with Windsave to improve and expand the use of wind energy. Although still in the trial stage, there is great potential that British Gas customers will be hearing a lot more about wind energy in the near future.
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