Wind Energy captures the natural wind in our environment and converts the air’s motion into mechanical energy. Wind is caused by differences in atmospheric pressure. Wind speeds vary based on geography, topography and season. As a result, there are some locations better suited for wind energy generation than others. In general, wind speeds are higher near the coast and offshore since there are fewer objects like vegetation, mountains and buildings to slow them down. 1 2
The mechanism used to convert air motion into electricity is referred to as a turbine. A turbine is a large structure with several spinning blades. These blades are connected to an electro-magnetic generator that generates electricity when the wind causes the blades to spin.
International Energy Agency Wind
European Wind Energy Association
Canadian Wind Energy Association
American Wind Energy Association
Danish Wind Industry Association
Distributed Wind Energy Association
Delft University of Technology
Center for Wind Energy Research
Wind Energy Center – University of Massachusetts
International Renewable Energy Agency
European Wind Energy Association
European Wind Energy Association – Economics of Wind Energy
IRENA Renewable Energy Cost Analysis – Wind Power
Wind Energy Foundation – Economics
International Renewable Energy Agency
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Save on Energy – Animated Infographic on the Science of Wind
National Geographic Interactive Wind Power Simulator
How Stuff Works – How Wind Power Works
10 Incredible Wind Power Facts