Wind energy
converts kinetic energy that is present in the wind into more useful
forms of energy such as mechanical energy or electricity. Wind
energy is a pollution-free, infinitely sustainable form of energy.
It doesn’t use fuel; it doesn’t produce greenhouse gasses, and it
doesn’t produce toxic or radioactive waste.
Windmills that
were used to grind grain are an example of early uses of wind
energy. Modern uses of wind energy include generation of electricity
and pumping water. Current wind energy machines are called "wind
turbine generators", "wind pumps", or more generally, "wind
turbines".
Wind mills was a common sight in the early
days on the country landscape.
The paddle wheel devices were used to harness the wind to pump water
up from beneath the ground for cattle to drink. Such wind mills were
also used to mill grain at the granaries.
The wind mills are revived in the 1970's in the form of huge bladed
machines that are moved by the gentlest of wind of less than 3 mph.
These wind machines have been used to power small dwellings. These
wind machines . The disadvantage of this source of energy is its
limited geographical setting. It can only be taken advantage of
where the wind moves continuously as you would have at the coast or
in vast flatland.
Denmark is currently the world leader in wind power. By 2030, fifty
percent of Denmark's energy could be produced by wind power. Wind
power emits no greenhouse gases, but it takes up large amounts of
land. In order for it to be a reliable source, scientists must
develop better power storage techniques.