Today’s post is based around renewable energy, specifically wind power. The UK’s top form of energy production (29%) came from wind turbines in 2024, a 30% increase from the previous year. Even though gas is still a large source of energy, the rise in non-renewable use such as wind power is a promising step to achieve a sustainable future. The new UK government is aiming to decarbonise the nation by 2030, just 5 years away, which means decommissioning the 32 currently active main gas-fired power stations and expanding offshore wind farms to help meet the demand.
How wind Turbines work:
- the wind turns the blades
- the blades then turn the rotor located within the turbine
- the rotor is connected to a generator
- the generator creates electricity as a result of the spinning rotor
Positives of Wind Turbines
- Source of renewable energy: unlike fossil fuels, wind is a renewable resource that doesn’t deplete over time. As long as the wind blows, electricity can be generated. Additionally, the use of renewable energy produces zero greenhouse gas emissions or other pollutants which enter our atmosphere, habitats, water sources and more.
- Job Creation: the wind energy industry creates jobs in manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and operations – this boosts local and national economies whilst providing skilled work.
- Energy independence: reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and other finite resources is important when working towards a sustainable world, wind turbines help reach this vision. Improvements in energy security support a stabilised economy and reduce customer costs.
- Scalability: wind farms are easy to expand, with many built offshore in a variety of environments.
- Low operating costs: once installed, wind turbines require little maintenance and have minimal operating costs.
Criticisms of Wind Turbines
- Reliability: wind is not constant and can vary in strength and direction. This makes it challenging to rely on wind turbines as a consistent energy source.
- Visual pollution: Many people consider wind turbines visually disruptive, particularly in rural or scenic areas. Large wind farms can dramatically change the landscape and impact the visual appeal of a region, often sparking opposition from local communities and residents.
- Impact on wildlife: even though wind turbines are less harmful than other forms of energy procurement, rural or wildlife-rich areas may experience disturbed ecosystems
- High implementation costs: the upfront cost of manufacturing and implementing turbines can be substantial.
- Limited lifespan: a wind turbine typically lasts between 20 and 25 years before it needs to be replaced, there is significant research into the recycling of the blades, however, the rest of the turbine can be difficult to sustainably dispose of.
The following video summarises the above points
These videos are designed to be engaging and a different form of visual education, let me know what you think!
Not My Monkey 