Wind energy: Resources, systems, and regional strategies

Book · Fri Dec 31 00:00:00 EST 1993

OSTI ID:142293

Grubb, M J ^[1]; Meyer, N I ^[2]

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1. Royal Inst. of International Affairs, London (United Kingdom)
2. Technical Univ. of Denmark, Lyngby (Denmark)

Wind power is already cost competitive with conventional modes of electricity generation under certain conditions and could, if widely exploited, meet 20 percent or more of the world`s electricity needs within the next four to five decades. The greatest wind potential exists in North America, the former Soviet Union, Africa, and (to a lesser extent), South America, Australia, southern Asia, and parts of Europe. In all these areas, wind can make a significant contribution to the energy supply. In regions of the developing world and in island communities, wind can operate with storage and displace diesel fuel. In more developed areas, wind-generated electricity can be channeled directly into the grid, providing an environmentally benign alternative to fossil fuels. Indeed, wind power can contribute as much as 25 to 45 percent of a grid`s energy supply before economic penalties become prohibitive; the presence of storage facilities or hydroelectric power would increase wind`s share still further. Despite a promising future, opportunities for wind power development are probably being missed because too little is known about either the resource or the technology. International efforts are badly needed to obtain better data and to disseminate technological information around the world. Even then, the extent to which wind is exploited will depend on public reaction and on the willingness of governments to embrace the technology. Action that governments might take to promote wind include providing strategic incentives to further its deployment, funding research on wind resources, taxing fossil fuels to reflect their social costs, and allowing independent wind generators adequate access to electricity systems. 74 refs., 15 figs., 10 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 142293
• Resource Relation: Other Information: PBD: 1993; Related Information: Is Part Of Renewable energy: Sources for fuels and electricity; Johansson, T.B.; Kelly, H.; Reddy, A.K.N.; Williams, R.H. [eds.]; PB: 1177 p.
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

17 WIND ENERGY
29 ENERGY PLANNING AND POLICY
WIND POWER
ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
RESOURCE ASSESSMENT
REGIONAL ANALYSIS
WIND POWER PLANTS
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
CONSTRAINTS
LAND REQUIREMENTS
NOISE
BIRDS
RADIO EQUIPMENT
SAFETY
WIND TURBINE ARRAYS
SITE SELECTION
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
COMPILED DATA