For consumers wanting to generate their own green power, installing a small wind turbine may be an option. Small wind turbines are electric generators that use the energy of the wind to produce clean, emissions-free power for individual homes, farms, and small businesses.
It must be remembered, though, that wind power is intermittent and variable, so a wind turbine produces power at or above its annual average rate only 40% of the time. That is, most of the time.
Availability vs. Output
A wind turbine may be “available” for 90% or more of the time, but its output depends only on the wind. Without the wind, it is like a bicycle that nobody rides: available, but not spinning.
Wind Power’s Low Capacity Credit
Wind power has a relatively low “capacity credit,” which refers to its ability to replace other power sources. For example, in the U.K., which is considered the windiest country in Europe, the Royal Academy of Engineering projects that 25,000 MW of wind power would reduce the need for conventional power by only 4,000 MW, translating to a 16% capacity credit.
What is wind power’s capacity credit elsewhere? Two studies in Germany projected that 48,000 MW of wind power would allow for a reduction in conventional capacity by only 2,000 MW—a mere 4% capacity credit, as described in Eon Netz’s “Wind Report 2005.”
Similarly, the Irish Grid calculated that 3,500 MW of wind power could replace 496 MW of conventional power, a 14% capacity credit. See some of these and other documents here at National Wind Watch.
According to Eon Netz, one of the four grid managers in Germany, with 7,050 MW of wind power capacity installed in its area at the end of 2004, the amount of backup required was over 80%.
Which was the maximum output observed from all of their wind power facilities together.
That is, for every 10 MW of wind power added to the system in this case, at least 8 MW of backup power must also be dedicated.
Doesn’t a unit of electricity produced by wind turbines reduce a unit from another source?
If there is hydropower on the system, that is the most likely source to be reduced, because it can be switched on and off the most readily. Some natural gas plants can also switch on and off quickly (though at a cost of efficiency, i.e., burning more fuel). Otherwise, the output from fuel-burning plants is ramped down or it is switched from generation to standby. In either case, it still burns fuel.
Maximize Your Energy Efficiency with These Resources
Harnessing wind power is just one step towards a greener, more energy-efficient future. To further optimize your energy use and cut down on costs, explore these helpful resources:
Energy-Saving Tips for Businesses
While wind power is a great option for clean energy, there are many other ways businesses can reduce their energy consumption. From smart energy management systems to efficient lighting and HVAC upgrades, explore actionable tips to make your business more energy-efficient. Discover energy-saving tips for businesses.