New turbines are stretching upward and outward to harvest faster, more consistent winds, with some reaching higher than 500 feet.
The standard capacity for a turbine is now 4 megawatts, according to Dickson; MAKE Consulting reports that the majority of turbines a decade ago were half that powerful. Today’s turbines, made from lighter, more weather-resistant materials, can self-diagnose problems and be monitored and controlled remotely.
While the trends for wind energy are encouraging, at present the world’s electricity supply remains dependent on coal and natural gas, with wind accounting for less than 5 percent of the total, according to the International Energy Agency. To pull ahead, renewable energy projects will need more viable storage options, better long-distance transmission and a fully modernized electric grid.
To help with the transition, smart meters could help homes and business shift their electricity use away from times of peak demand. And as electric vehicles proliferate, they could effectively serve as batteries for the grid, charging at night to absorb wind power surpluses.
These types of links between customers, turbines and the grid will be crucial as the wind industry continues to grow, both onshore and off. Projects at sea, while presenting challenges, are drawing more interest because of the advantages of stronger winds and a presence farther away from potential objections in local communities. Offshore wind projects, with turbines now specially designed to withstand sea conditions, have seen even larger price drops than those on land.
The New York Times
