Wind

One hundred years ago windmills were a relatively common feature on the landscape. Around 10,000 were located across the UK and primarily used to grind corn and pump water. The modern wind turbines we see today are simply improved windmills - just hundreds of times more efficient.

Electricity is produced from wind turbines using the natural power of the wind to drive a generator. The electricity produced is then fed into the local electricity supply system. Wind energy technology is developing fast. Manufacturing is becoming cheaper and more efficient, and the productivity of newer designs has improved, so more electricity is produced from more cost-effective turbines. As a result, the cost of electricity from wind is now on a level with conventional electricity costs.

The energy used in manufacturing and erecting a wind turbine is paid back during the first 3-6 months of operation and unlike most other developments, wind turbines can be removed at the end of their lifetime, typically 30 years, with no lasting environmental effects.

Wind energy is one of the most popular renewable energy technologies and according to numerous national surveys over 80% of the UK population are in favour of wind energy. It is a safe, reliable and natural source of energy and the wind resource in the UK alone has the potential to power the country 3 or 4 times over!

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