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Wind is a clean, intermittent energy source. Wind speeds vary on a daily basis, and the amount of electricity a wind turbine can generate is based on the wind speed. Wind turbines are considered 'high performance' if they generate electricity at capacity factors of 30-40 per cent.
Wind turbines can only generate electricity if the wind is 'just right'; low winds cannot power the turbine and high winds are unsafe and the turbine shuts itself down. Wind turbines will also shut down when the temperature drops below -30 degrees Celsius.
Large-scale wind farms are placed to maximize electrical energy production using tower heights (50 metres or greater) and historical wind information. In Saskatchewan, these wind farms generate electricity at 35-40 per cent capacity factors.
Micro wind systems are normally situated near where the electricity is needed rather than at the optimum wind sites. These units have lower tower heights as well. Annual capacity factors for micro wind turbines in Saskatchewan seldom exceed 20 percent.
Wind research
Power utilities are working to improve wind forecasting techniques in order to better take advantage of wind.
Energy storage options could help stabilize wind power, although the concept is still in the developmental stage. SaskPower is currently in the midst of working with an external consultant to obtain quantitative and qualitative analysis of a range of energy storage technologies that could work on the SaskPower grid.
How much wind power makes sense?
SaskPower is targeting approximately 8.5 per cent of its future power supply will be generated by wind. This is one of the highest targets in North America for a power supply company. Currently wind makes up about 4.7 per cent of the power supply.
