The rise of wind power

Engineers Australia
May, 2008 Page: 75

In line with one of its Mission Statements, namely: "To make information on engineering available to the countries of the world and to facilitate communication between its member nations of world's best practice in key engineering activities", the Energy Committee of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations has been reviewing a range of current energy options. The review is being presented in a series of reports.

The review is intended to give the viewpoint of engineers on questions related to the technical and economic feasibility of energy issues of significance to society. Each report aims at providing engineers and decision makers with updated information regarding different technologies that are being used or are under consideration for the supply of energy.

The first document in the series published in 2005 was on wind power. The Australian national member Dr Peter Greenwood is a member of the Standing Committee and John Titcher was a significant contributor. I was in Barcelona a few weeks ago, where I met with the chief executive of the Electricity Company, which is generating 34% of its electricity from wind.

Wind energy is abundant and has vast potential. In recent years, it has shown good environmental advantage and, in a number of situations, has gradually approached cost competitiveness. Current concerns of the environment, global warming and reducing stocks of fossil fuels have driven increased participation in many countries.

Wind energy has been part of the energy mix. Even if its competitiveness has not always been apparent, many consumers have been willing to pay a premium for clean energy. In absolute terms wind energy is still a small portion of the world's energy; however, at the present time it is the fastest growing source. Key advantages are that environmental aspects come into play in the three phases of a wind turbine project - building and manufacturing, normal operation during its lifetime and decommissioning.

Aside from fossil fuels used in the manufacture of wind farm equipment and its lubrication, no fossil fuels are consumed or combusted and virtually no waste streams are created. No exotic materials or manufacturing processes are required in producing wind turbines or the building of the civil works. Decommissioning is not a significant problem.

The prime disadvantages are negative environmental impacts of acoustic noise emissions, visual impact and bird strikes which create public resistance to installations. As with other energy options, the construction of transmission lines from remote areas causes opposition, particularly in tourist coastal areas.

The full report can be read on www.unesco.org/wfeo/NEWS/WindPoweWeb.pdf.