Harnessing nature: How is wind power generated?

We have seen breezy conditions this week sending turbines spinning, do you know how the gusty conditions produce power?

Well, it all starts with the creation of wind. As the surface of the planet is heated by the sun, it does so unevenly due to irregularities across the surface. Creating pockets of warm air which rises to be replaced by cold air.

This movement results in wind, a natural energy source which is harnessed via wind turbines grouped in wind farms both in-land and at sea.

These turbines, usually consisting of two or three rotating blades, convert the wind’s force into kinetic energy ultimately becoming usable electricity. The average turbine blade spans from 20 to 80 metres turning 13 to 20 times per minute.

In theory the faster the wind blows the more electricity can be created, however if wind becomes too strong the turbines shut down to prevent damage.

On average, an onshore turbine can produce over 6 million kilowatt hours a year, enough to power 1,500 homes.

The UK’s position on Earth makes it ideal for wind power. Its exposed location on the edge of Europe makes it particularly windy, in fact Scotland is the windiest country in the continent.

Once the electricity is harnessed it gets exported to the national grid and distributed to homes. A never-ending source of natural, renewable energy.