Last updated on August 9th, 2023
82. By the end of 2022, Finland had 1,393 installed wind turbine generators with a combined capacity of 5,677 megawatts (M.W.). These wind turbines played a significant role in Finland’s energy landscape by generating approximately 14.1% of the country’s total electricity consumption yearly.
83. Sweden boasts significant wind energy potential, with its installed capacity projected to grow steadily from 2022 to 2035. According to forecasts, wind power is expected to constitute approximately 41% of the country’s total installed generation capacity by 2035.
84. The success story of wind power is not just limited to developed countries. Turkey, an emerging market, has embraced wind energy with 10 GW of installed capacity.
85. The rapid growth of wind power in South Africa is evident, with 3,024 MW of installed capacity in 2022.
86. Wind energy has also found its way into Latin America, with Chile boasting an impressive 37 G.W. of installed capacity.
Why Wind Energy is not as Green as it Seems
87. Wind turbine blades can be longer than a Boeing 747 wing, and at the end of their lifespan, they need to be sawed into three pieces small enough to be transported on a tractor-trailer.
88. In the U.S. alone, about 8,000 wind turbine blades will be removed each year for the next four years, while Europe has about 3,800 coming down annually through at least 2022.
89. Wind turbine blades are difficult to dispose of due to their size and materials, and scientists and companies are searching for better recycling and repurposing methods to handle the massive waste.
90. In Casper, Wyoming, a municipal landfill is the final resting place of 870 wind turbine blades, which look like bleached whale bones nestled against each other.
91. Wind power is carbon-free and about 85% of turbine components can be recycled or reused, except for the challenging fiberglass blades, creating an urgent need for sustainable disposal alternatives.
Cool Innovations
92. Airborne Wind Turbines: Makani and Altaeros are developing airborne wind turbines that can access stronger winds at high altitudes, potentially providing renewable energy to 85% of the U.S. and opening up vast offshore wind resources.
93. Power even from Low-Speed Winds: The Wind Harvester utilizes a reciprocating motion with horizontal aerofoils, generating electricity at low speeds, making it quieter and more efficient, reducing opposition to new installations.
94. Bladeless Wind Power: Windstalk uses piezoelectric ceramic discs within hollow poles, converting wind-induced swaying into a current, presenting a unique and silent alternative to traditional turbines.
95. Wind Turbine Lenses: Wind Lens technology, when placed around turbine blades, can increase efficiency up to three times, potentially making wind power cheaper than nuclear energy.
96. Vertical Axis Turbines: Windspire and Eddy Turbine are vertical axis turbines offering sleek design, low sound levels, and high safety in various wind speeds, providing renewable energy options for diverse environments.
97. Quiet Wind Turbines: The Eco Whisper turbine from Australia Renewable Energy Solutions is virtually silent and efficient, offering an alternative for those seeking wind power without the noise.
98. Wind Power Storage: The Green Power Island uses pumped hydro to store excess energy during off-peak times, offering a sustainable and effective way to meet varying energy demands.
99. Community-Owned Wind Power: Baywind Energy Cooperative, the first community-owned wind farm in the U.K., generates clean energy for thousands of homes and invests in educational initiatives for local schools.
100. Multipurpose Offshore Wind Turbines: Ecofys leads a project exploring seaweed cultivation around offshore wind turbines for the production of fish and animal feed, biofuels, and energy, showcasing the potential for synergistic solutions in renewable energy.
Wind Energy in the USA
101. Dominating the landscape, turbine towers stand tall, surpassing an impressive height of 230 feet, making them almost as tall as the iconic Statue of Liberty. This remarkable vertical reach allows turbines to capture stronger, more consistent winds at higher altitudes, maximizing their energy-generating potential.
102. To match the towering height of the turbines, each blade spans an incredible 160 feet, showcasing the impressive scale of engineering and the innovative strides made in wind energy technology.
103. The boundaries of innovation keep pushing forward as newer turbine blades now extend over 300 feet, proving that the sky’s no limit for the pursuit of cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.
104. The largest turbine ever created can be found in Hawaii, boasting a staggering height equivalent to 20 stories and featuring blades that stretch the length of a football field. This towering structure serves as a testament to human engineering prowess in capturing nature’s renewable energy.
105. As wind turbines have become a common sight, they can be found in 40 states across the United States. The widespread adoption of wind energy reflects the growing commitment to sustainable practices and the transition to a cleaner energy landscape.
106. The United States is the second-largest producer, reflecting the global significance of this clean energy source.
107. With a capacity factor of 42%, which is the average for recently built wind turbines in the United States according to the 2021 edition of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Land-Based Wind Market Report, an average turbine would produce over 843,000 kWh per month. This amount of energy generated would be sufficient to power more than 940 average U.S. homes during that time period.
108. Even on a smaller scale, a single wind turbine in your backyard has the potential to power your entire home, offering a practical and eco-conscious solution for individual households.
109. The environmental impact of wind energy is impressive; in 2015, it produced enough electricity to power more than 17.5 million U.S. homes annually. To put this into perspective, that’s equivalent to the combined number of households in Alaska, California, Delaware, DC, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Vermont.
110. In 2021, the cost of a wind turbine was approximately $1,300,000 per megawatt. Considering that the typical wind turbine has a power capacity of 2-3 megawatts, most turbines fall within the price range of $2-4 million dollars.
111. Additionally, the ongoing operation and maintenance expenses were estimated to be around $42,000 to $48,000 per year based on research on wind turbine operational costs.
112. The United States has set forth a bold and attainable objective of reducing net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50-52% below the levels recorded in 2005 by the year 2030. This commitment represents a significant step towards combating climate change and embracing a more sustainable and greener future.