Wind provides a form of renewable energy. Wind power describes the process where wind is used to generate electricity. Wind turbines convert wind kinetic energy into mechanical power. The latter can be used for specific tasks (like pumping water) or a generator can convert this power into electricity.

A wind turbine works the opposite way to a fan. Instead of using electricity to make wind, wind turbines use it to make electricity. The wind turns the blades, which spin a shaft, which connects to a generator and makes electricity.

Modern wind turbines are of two types: horizontal-axis and vertical-axis. Horizontal-axis turbines typically have two or three blades. Three-bladed wind turbines are operated upwind, with the blades facing the wind. The other most common type is the two-bladed, downwind turbine. Utility-scale turbines range from 50 Kw to several Mw. Larger turbines are grouped into wind farms providing bulk power.

Wind energy offers many advantages, which explains why it’s the fastest-growing energy source in the world. Research is aimed at addressing the challenges to greater use of wind energy, which is is a clean and renewable fuel source. It doesn’t pollute like power plants that rely on combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal and produce atmospheric emissions causing acid rain or greenhouse gases.

Despite its advantages, wind power may not be able to compete with conventional methods because, though its cost is low, the technology requires a higher initial investment than fossil-fueled generators. Wind power plants have less impact on the environment than oil-powered plants, but there is some concern over the noise of the rotor blades, the aesthetic impact and the death of birds flying into the blades.

Wind energy has been extensively used throughout history: it propelled boats along the Nile as early as 5000 BC. By 200 BC, simple windmills in China were pumping water, while vertical-axis windmills with woven reed sails were grinding grain in the Middle East.

Industrialization has led to a gradual decline in windmills replaced by steam engines. Today, the world depends heavily on fossil fuels and environmental issues are compelling governments worldwide to do more research on new technology to render wind power plants cost-effective, as it is considered an important future source of energy.

At the World Wind Energy Conference held in Berlin, in July 2002, more than 900 declarations of interest were received from world countries, including Mauritius. In Wales, there are 360 wind turbines in operation and, in a survey by Friends of the Environment, 71% of respondents said they would support plans to double that number.

In his inauguration speech at the Indian Oil New Petroleum Terminal, the deputy prime minister and Finance minister stated that government will mobilize renewable energy sources to generate electricity from wind, sun and biomass, as it is an opportunity to develop new areas of activities, improve our self-reliance and create jobs.

Wind turbines can be built where there is a continuous wind supply. In Mauritius, the best place for wind power plants is the south coast. The wind regime is very good in some areas, with an annual average speed of 8.1 m/s at 30 m above ground level. To invest in indigenous energy sources, we need expertise and technology transfer. Wind energy is a sector to reckon with soon.

<B>Shaffick HAMUTH</B>