Wind power cannot currently save the planet. It is intermittent (it only works when wind conditions are optimal) and therefore unreliable as a continuous source of power generation. In fact, wind power is considered efficient if it generates power 30-40 per cent of the time.
Why is wind power important?
Wind power is so important on a global level because the amount of theoretical wind energy available on earth is estimate at 72 terawatts (TW), or 72 million megawatts (MW). If you consider that 1 MW powers 1000 homes, 72 million MW is a considerable amount of power. Currently wind power accounts for approximately two per cent of the world's power supply.
As well, wind turbines do not produce greenhouse gas emissions, making wind an attractive environmentally responsible power supply option. In fact, wind power in Saskatchewan is estimated to reduce greenhouse gases by 6 million tonnes over 25 years as a replacement for traditional fossil fuels.
Why not more wind power?
There are specific places on earth that can take advantage of wind power. SaskPower currently generates approximately five per cent of its power using wind. There is opportunity to expand wind power in Saskatchewan, and currently the future plan is to have just over eight per cent of the generated power supply come from wind. Saskatchewan is lucky enough to have the specific geography to be able to explore wind power.
In Saskatchewan, wind conditions allow for wind turbines to generate electricity nearly 40 per cent of the time, which is considered very efficient. This is because wind turbines only work during optimal conditions. They do not produce electricity when there is too little wind, too much wind (for safety reasons) or it is too cold outside (-25°C or below, also for safety's sake).
Concerned about wind power?
Wind power produces zero greenhouse gas emissions, and the electricity is clean and renewable. The wind turbines, when heard from 250 metres away, are no louder than a home refrigerator.
