Advantages and disadvantages of wind power

[Greenie]

Hi mahirenterprises,

good list. I think that one of the biggest disadvantages of wind energy, and all renewables for that matter, is that they cost so much. The unfortunate fact is that in so many areas, economics really are the biggest driving force behind the way we do things.

Capital costs of wind energy is such a huge barrier. Even if the tech was cheap per kilowatt hour, imagine being asked to pay for your next 20-30 years worth of power in one hit.

An interesting discussion at the mo is about the idea of leasing renewable power aparatus - so you pay a rental fee and the company/govt supplies the turbine, and maintains it. That's more focused on privately owned equipment, but similar cost issues face commercial wind power companies.


One other to add to your list of disadvantages is the impact on birdlife and bats, pretty much that it kills them in some parts. It's all to do with air-pressure changes around turbines. Some companies are working on solutions at the moment, but I guess it's just another example where many eco-system/habitat issues arise with renewables.

Also, have you heard of electricity being generated from kites? It sounds funny, but makes sense as the kites can reach high-speed and more constant winds (using 300mtr ropes), plus they're alot more flexible in that they can be moved from location to location. Check out this video. Currently there's 2 main groups working on it, these Italians and a group at Worcester polytechnic in the U.S. It's still in the testing phases, but could be an interesting solution to a few of the disadvantages holding wind technology up.

[asimnicol]

Hi this is really great thread thanks here I got really amazing information about the wind power