Interesting Facts

• A wind turbine generates electricity from the power of the wind.
• When the wind blows, the turbine blades turn a generator inside the turbine that converts the movement into electricity. That power is then transmitted through underground cables.
• So a wind turbine is rather like a giant fan in reverse!
• Wind turbines generate electricity from wind speeds of 4 to 5 metres per second (10 miles an hour) upwards. They only stop working when wind speeds reach severe gale force, at about 25 metres per second (50+ miles/hour).
• Currently the fastest growing source of renewable energy in the world.
• Scotland is the Windiest place in Europe.
• There are over 1000 wind turbines in the UK.
• A 1.8MW turbine supplies enough electricity to power 1,000 homes.
• One wind turbine produces enough electricity each year to run a computer for 1620 years!
• A wind turbine will last for about 20-25 years with some part replacement required in its life time.
• It is predicted that onshore wind farms will provide about 5% of Britain’s electricity by 2010.
• The largest turbine in the world is 20 stories high and has blades the length of a football field.

Benefits

• Wind energy is freely available.
• Potential for large scale electricity generation.
• Low running costs.
• No waste or pollution from power generation.
• Taking down a wind farm is straightforward.
• Wind farms can become tourist attractions.
• The land can still be used for farming.

Down Sides

• Difficulties with connecting to the national grid
• No wind, no power
• A speed of at least 4m per second is required
• Can interfere with radar

Local Applications

• Glens of Foudland Wind Farm in Aberdeenshire.
• Boyndie Windfarm
• Talisman Offshore Project, Moray Firth
• Mackies Wind Turbine.
• Proposed Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm.