The information on this page was prepared by:
| Mohd Suffian Muhili | mohdmuhi@usc.edu | Electrical Engineering |
Wind Energy: Its Future
Wind turbines technology is capable of providing large amounts of power at prices that are competitive with most of the other sources of electricity. Technological advancements would definitely improve the potential of wind power in the future. New lightweight composite materials for use in turbine blades could result in large turbines becoming more reliable and thus more cost effective. Advancements in control systems could allow larger turbine blades to be used without experiencing damage during storms. Breakthroughs in electricity storage would also make wind power more attractive as an electricity supply option.
In conclusion, wind energy is clean, reliable and cost effective energy. Electricity generated from the wind does not contribute to global warming and acid rain. As part of an electrical system which has a diversity of sources (renewable), wind turbines can be a valuable source of low cost electricity. Then again, any methods of electricity generation, including wind turbines, have some negative environmental impacts and thus, it is of utmost importance that electricity be used efficiently regardless of source.