Community Lifelines Programme Energy- Energy Sector - Wind Energy
|
|
WIND ENERGY
Wind energy is derived from moving air. A wind turbine typically converts this kinetic energy into electric energy for local or distributed use. Wind Energy has a large role in the Renewable Energy sectors in Europe and the United States, with double digit growth rates during the last 5 years and in 2005, over 47,000 MW was installed. In grid-connected configurations without large storage possibilities, it is estimated wind energy can provide up to 20% of the total power.
Click here for an extensive description of Wind Energy
In remote areas, wind energy systems combined with diesel and storage facilities (also called hybrid systems) can provide an economic alternative to diesel-only generators. In larger electricity grids, wind turbines can pose a good addition to already existing island grids, however with limited capacity, through its variable output as a function of the wind.
As wind energy in the Pacific is a clean alternative to environmentally harmful and non-renewable sources such as diesel power. The wind energy resource, measured in average annual wind speeds, is generally higher while moving away from the equator. Special challenges for the Pacific include frequent cyclones and a limited amount of suppliers.
See the Wind Data from the experimental turbine in Nabua
More information about the Wind Energy Education project
Inventory of Publicly Available Wind Data
For more information, please contact:
Paul Fairbairn
Manager Community Lifelines Programme
|
,
and
.