Economic Viability of Wind Turbines in Canada

HOW ECONOMICALLY VIABILE ARE WIND TURBINES IN CANADA?

Wind Energy in Canada
HOW ECONOMICALLY VIABILE ARE WIND TURBINES IN CANADA?
Introduction
Wind power is the method of generating energy by utilizing the flow of wind via
turbines. Turbines are specialized devices designed generate electrical energy by converting
the kinetic energy provided by the wind into mechanical power (Manwell, McGowan and
Rogers). This power is an excellent alternative to burning fossil fuels to generate electricity.
One of the major advantages of using wind power is that it is renewable, and is
environmental friendly. The amount of energy generated is variable, depending on the wind
flow. Economically, the initial costs of setting up a wind energy project would be high; it
would be balanced in subsequently as there is no cost for wind, which is the main input
source.
In Canada, Wind energy is the most preferred source, as it generates “clean energy”,
and thus has attracted a huge chunk of investments in the past year. As it has greater
advantages over non-renewable energy sources, many countries including Canada provide
incentives to industries setting up wind turbines, in order to encourage the use of wind power.
However, there are many considerations to be made before embarking on such a huge project
(Holburn, Lui and Morand 465). The factors influencing the economic viability of wind
energy, its mechanics, and the future of wind energy in Canada are discussed in this essay.
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Wind Energy in Canada
The Mechanics of Wind Energy
Wind energy is produced by the physical principle of converting the kinetic energy
produced by the wind into electrical energy, using the mechanical energy made available by
turbines. The intended maximum output of the wind plant is known as its “nameplate
capacity”. Canada accounts for 3.6% of the world’s wind energy nameplate capacity, where
China leads the world with over 45% (REVE). However, the flow of winds being a major
player in the production of wind energy, it can be assumed that most plants cannot achieve
their maximal capacity due to the inconsistency of the input. Variability and predictability are
two factors that are primary to a consistent wind energy production, as that is the main reason
turbines are constructed in windy plain areas near water sources, as opposed to hilly areas
(Apt 369).
A third factor that influences capacity is the size of the turbines. (Caduff, Huijbregts
and Althaus 4725), in their study say “Using a smaller generator would yield lesser electric
power as output, needing it to be worked for longer hours. Using a larger generator might
yield more electric power, but it would need a larger input, thus stalling at low winds”.
Considering the above factors, an output capacity of 50% of the plants total capacity can be
set as the optimal power production. Another factor that must be considered is the storage of
Wind energy, which is done complementary to hydroelectric storages, or in grid storage
mechanisms.
The percentage of the energy produced by wind power as compared to the total
amount of energy produced in the world is known as wind energy penetration. According to a
report by (The U.S Department of Energy), “Renewable energy resources contribute 20% to
the world’s total energy consumption, and wind energy accounts for 3.5% penetration”.
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