Wind Farms Around the World

The renewable energy sector experienced a record-breaking production year in 2021. Power professionals prepare for another production boom this year by developing more wind farms. Wind power makes up the most significant portion of clean energy around the world.

On- and offshore turbines have high-efficiency rates and support the clean electric grid. Global sustainability goals are supporting renewable energy expansions. Eco-consumers also influence wind farms around the world.

The Increasing Demand for Renewable Energy

The global demand for renewable energy is rising and influencing the wind power sector. Researchers discovered renewable may account for 95% of the worldwide energy supply’s expansion in 2026. Regions are producing more emission-free electricity to improve environmental conservation.

Greenhouse gas emissions are the leading cause of climate change. They cause atmospheric degradation and adversely affect the global ecosystem. Reducing emissions with wind power may also protect humans’ health.

Residents in high-pollution areas experience higher risks for lung cancer, asthma, heart attacks and other respiratory conditions. The Paris Agreement also influences wind power production. The agreement works to minimize global greenhouse gas emissions and Earth’s temperature.

Eco-consumers also influence the wind power sector. Individuals are purchasing more sustainable goods and services, which promotes a green market. Companies can manufacture eco-friendly goods by sourcing wind power.

The Top Onshore Wind Farms Around the World

The largest wind farm in the world is in Jiuguan, China. It has a production capacity of 20 gigawatts (GW) of clean electricity. The project produces significant quantities of wind power with 7,000 turbines.

Jaisalmer Wind Park in India is the second-largest farm on Earth. The park has a production capacity of 1,600 megawatts (MW) of wind power. It works with public, private and independent companies to produce and distribute clean energy.

The third-largest wind farm in the world resides in Kern County, California. The Alta Wind Energy Center produces nearly 1,548 MW of emission-free electricity. Engineers in California plan to expand production to meet national sustainability goals.

The Top Offshore Wind Farms Around the World

Energy professionals are also expanding wind power production on offshore farms. Offshore wind energy makes up nearly 4% of America’s energy supply. Environmental engineers are planning on expanding production and generating 23,735 MW of renewable energy using coastal turbines.

The first offshore wind farm in America is in Block Island, Rhode Island. In 2020, the farm was producing 6 MW of electricity three miles from shore. Engineers plan on expanding the project to deliver more clean electricity to the Northeast.

Two of the largest offshore wind farms are in the U.K. The London Array farm produces nearly 630 MW of electricity throughout the Thames Estuary. England uses the London Array farm to eliminate 900,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.  

Demark also has a large-scale offshore farm, which produces 400 MW of clean energy. The singular farm generates over 4% of Denmark’s total energy supply. Producing electricity from wind farms around the world provides economic and environmental benefits.

Wind Energy’s Economic and Environmental Benefits

The cost of oil and gas rose significantly when Russia invaded Ukraine. Individuals can reduce unexpected energy price changes by sourcing wind power. Wind turbines are one of the most cost-effective electricity sources on the market.

Wind power is also significantly more sustainable than fossil fuels. Turbines release zero greenhouse gas emissions while generating electricity. They also require zero water or fluids to cool down their internal parts.

Turbines have smaller carbon footprints than fossil-fuel-electricity, and they contribute to some municipal solid waste (MSW). Their blades are made of non-recyclable materials, which pollute landfills after they break. They also adversely impact biodiversity by increasing bat and bird fatalities.

Environmental engineers are developing sustainable solutions to turbines’ efficiency limitations. Some professionals developed alternative turbine models to increase clean energy production and sustainability.

Advanced Wind Power Technology

The first model uses drones to produce electricity without turbine shafts. Many birds and bats experience fatal collisions with the shafts, which cause biodiversity losses. The skysail model harvests wind power using a kite-like device, tether and generator.

Another alternative uses a shaft without blades. Environmental engineers removed the blades from turbines to increase their recyclability. The bladeless turbines produce emission-free electricity by vibrating in the wind.

Engineers are working on manufacturing larger bladeless turbines to increase power production. The current models are only compatible with onshore farms. Growing global on- and offshore wind power supplies can significantly shrink society’s carbon footprint.

Wind Power and Global Decarbonization

Countries are establishing decarbonization goals to increase their sustainability levels. They can achieve carbon neutrality by eliminating energy-related emissions. Expanding on- and offshore wind power production can effectively shrink countries’ footprints.