Wind power as a clean-energy contributor

doi:10.1016/j.enpol.2008.09.033

Energy Policy

Volume 36, Issue 12, December 2008, Pages 4397-4400

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2008.09.033 Get rights and content

Abstract

Modern and sophisticated wind generators rated at up to 5 MW are in use on- and offshore in many European and other countries. They are made by a large and financially strong industry. In 2006, there were 1672 wind turbines in use in the UK, making up 2.5% of UK's electricity-generating capacity but producing under 1% of its electricity. The UK uses only about 1% of its wind power potential. Making use of more wind will involve developing new materials, new techniques and new mathematical modelling methods. The machines will need to be more reliable and robust, and will require a more flexible electricity system to feed into. In the longer term, there may be bigger machines of up to 10 MW, perhaps used in tandem with advanced electricity-storage technology. The growth of a European rather than UK power grid may allow renewables, including wind, to play a larger role.

Section snippets

Background

Wind was rediscovered as a practicable power source in the 20th century. Europe played a critical role, particularly Denmark, Spain and Germany, in the development of modern wind turbine technology, because of an established technology base, local meteorological conditions, green politics and government investment. The wind turbines developed are complex, self-contained and, more recently, are generally variable-speed, power-generation products.

The application of wind to the generation of

Current science 2008

The background provided above shows that modern, large, wind turbine products have been established and standards developed (Ackermann, 2005; Burton et al., 2000; International Electrotechnical Commission, 2001; Ofgem, 2003). Though the science associated with their universal applicability in the power system is underway, it is not yet universally applied (European Wind Energy Association, 2005b; United Kingdom Energy Research Centre, 2006; Ofgem, 2003).

The following issues, associated with the

Future science 2006–2050

The key science factors for the future of wind power are:

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The impact of larger designs of wind turbines above those now in view, for example, from 7 to 10 MW, on the penetration of wind power.
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The greater interconnection of the UK electricity system with other energy grids and the European system as a means to expand the penetration of renewable sources into the system, including the contribution of wind.
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  The UK currently has one high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) link to Europe and another to

Conclusions

Wind has strong potential as a fuel-free renewable source of energy, which can contribute at least 20% and possibly a much higher proportion of the UK's electricity needs. Wind turbine technology is now mature but the focus of scientific attention needs to shift towards massive production from large- and small-scale sources and the integration of these sources into the domestic, national and international energy networks. This will require technical and economic modelling of the wind turbine

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^☆: While the Government Office for Science commissioned this review, the views are those of the author(s), are independent of Government, and do not constitute Government policy.

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Wind power as a clean-energy contributor☆

Abstract

Section snippets

Background

Current science 2008

Future science 2006–2050

Conclusions

Advances in Water Resources

Coastal Engineering

Composites Science and Technology

Progress in Aerospace Sciences

ENDOW efficient development of offshore wind farms: modelling wake and boundary layer interactions

Wind Energy

Wind Energy Handbook

The history and state of the art of variable-speed wind turbine technology

Wind Energy

Clear-water scour development at bridge abutments

Journal of Hydraulic Research

Lightning protection for wind turbine blades and bearings

Wind Energy

Survey of modelling methods for wind turbine wakes and wind farms

Wind Energy

A shift to wind is not unfeasible

Power

Micro-Generation Strategy and Low-Carbon Buildings Programme. Consultation Document

Large-Scale Integration of Wind Energy in the European Power Supply: Analysis, Issues and Recommendations