Is Wind Energy the New Solar?
Is Wind Energy the New Solar?
In the past ten to fifteen years, the world has seen an increase in the implementation of renewable energy sources, namely solar and wind energy. Still, during that time, the number of fossil fuels in the global energy mix remained relatively unchanged meaning that even though action is being taken, it is being taken too slowly and not in the right areas. The solar energy market, out of all renewables, saw the biggest production increase in that time after having received more than $1.3 trillion in investment which allowed it to flourish. Wind energy remains a largely unknown quality in the grand scheme of things and has left many wondering if it can match its solar rival’s unprecedented growth
What is wind energy?
Wind energy is mechanical power generated from the kinetic energy present in winds due to differences in pressure. Wind turbines are machines used to harness this energy and convert it into electricity which can be used to power up homes and offices. The turbines range from 70-90 meters in height and have 3 blades ranging from 30-50 meters in length. These blades are specially designed to be aerodynamic and are akin to wings on an airplane which force air down to generate upwards lift. This technological advancement means that turbines can function in very light winds but need to be closed during extremely strong ones to avoid damage. When wind blows across the blades, a pressure gradient is created which causes the turning of a rotor at the center of the turbine. This rotation causes the production of electricity which is subsequently transported to a transformer which changes the voltage. The electricity is now in a usable form and is sent to the national grid. Most wind energy comes from onshore wind farms which are a group of wind turbines in close proximity to one another typically located in hilly and windy environments but recently offshore developments have begun to happen as well.
Differences between wind and solar energy
Although both are the leading sources of renewable energy in the world, wind and solar energy hold considerable differences. The latter relies on the sun’s rays and photovoltaic cells to capture the energy meaning production is limited to the daytime and is most effective when there are high amounts of sunlight. Wind energy, however, can function both during the day and the night but requires stronger winds to be more efficient. Solar panels are suited to all types of environments whether that be in residential, industrial, agricultural, urban, or rural sectors with the limitation of being south-facing only. Wind turbines take up considerable space and generate noise meaning they are more suited to rural and open areas where there is not much population. Turbines also require frequent technical maintenance and are more prone to faults than solar panels. The latter has made inroads into the residential and commercial sectors where many people are opting to have installations made to reduce energy consumption costs. Wind installations on the other hand remain largely governmental or institutional projects owing to the costs, size and maintenance required. However, they have an advantage both in their efficiency (50% vs 20%) and the amount of energy that can be produced in a day (21.6 MWh vs 2kWh on average). The cost difference is quite high as a 2MW solar turbine on average costs around USD $3.5 million while a solar installation of the same energy output would cost around USD $2 million.
Advantages and drawbacks of wind energy
The advantages of wind energy are vast and they point toward the technology being a major stakeholder in the renewable energy sector in the future. Turbines not only produce massive amounts of energy but can be placed in uninhabited areas and produce energy all day long. These plants can also be placed offshore where the winds are stronger and more consistent than on shore. Wind is also an ever-present element globally meaning there is no country where the technology would not be effective.
Despite the advantages, there are a number of unavoidable drawbacks which limit wind energy from going further. There is a very large upfront cost that drives away large corporations, leaving investment primarily on governments and large institutions. Furthermore, as the turbines have to be placed in rural and uninhabited areas, long-distance connections need to be made with the national grid which results in energy losses while also consequently making maintenance difficult. Wind is known to be an inconsistent source of energy as sometimes it will provide high amounts of energy and other times lower, meaning it cannot be relied upon completely. Another factor that needs to be considered is the environmental damage turbines create especially to wildlife populations. Many birds and bats end up colliding with the turning blades and often habitats can be displaced to accommodate wind farms.
Future of wind
The future of the wind sector is hard to predict but going on recent trends, it is clear to see it could be a major player in the renewable sector. Currently, 5% of global energy demands are accounted for by wind, or almost 743 GW of power, but studies suggest that if the proper application and investment are shown, it could rise to 35% given the potential. Wind prices in the past decade have plummeted and look set to fall further which could give rise to a greater number of installations. Asia in particular looks set to become the wind energy hub with an expected 2600 GW of production by 2050, up from the current levels of 230 GW. This increase in sustainable production could also help achieve the carbon emission reduction goals outlined in the 2015 Paris agreement which have yet to be worked towards in a significant manner. Furthermore, the wind industry is looking at addressing the challenges that have hampered its growth. These advancements include exploring the use of green steel (the most carbon-efficient steel), developing wooden towers and better recycling programs. Offshore wind farms are also set to increase which will not only open up new markets but provide significantly increased energy production levels.
Pakistan’s wind future
In the status quo, Pakistan is not meeting the energy demands of its 221 million strong population. This presents a harsh reality for many Pakistanis who have to deal with price hikes and constant load shedding which are only exacerbated in the more rural areas. Wind represents an opportunity for Pakistan as analysts predict there is a massive amount of wind potential in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Balochistan. The fluctuating terrain and wind speeds in these provinces are ideal for large wind installations that would go a long way in ending the energy debacle. The latter province in particular is key, as it has excellent conditions suited for sustainable production that could power the rest of the country. Any sort of future with wind requires a large upfront investment from the government which seems unlikely in the current economic and political landscape. If the future of Pakistan’s energy sector is to be saved, wind energy could be a major stakeholder as the benefits are clear to see.
Wind energy is among the top renewable energy sources in the world at the moment along with solar. In regards to whether or not the former can have the same output as the latter, it is a difficult comparison. While solar is suited to more urban, residential and commercial sectors, the sheer difference in cost and size makes wind unfeasible for these areas. What is clear to see, however, is that the ceiling of wind is considerably higher than solar as it produces greater amounts of energy at higher efficiency albeit at a higher price. With the current advancements being looked at in terms of renewable production and the forecasted dropping in prices, it is fair to suggest the wind market is soon to explode at a global level and just needs a spark. Pakistan in particular could benefit from further investment in the technology as its terrain and climate are extremely well suited to it. Wind is not the new solar, but it can experience similar growth if it receives the correct backing. This backing needs to come sooner rather than later if the effects of global warming and the energy deficiencies around the world are to be counteracted.