Wind power capacity in the world it reached 487 gigawatts (GW) in 2016. In the same way, the standardized reference costs of electricity from wind energy (LCOE), that is, how much electricity generation costs (initial investment, maintenance, fuel cost ...) are falling, until the $ 67 per megawatt hour (MWh), the third lowest value among renewable energies. This reflects the competitiveness of wind energy compared to other traditional sources, and its growing importance in the global transition towards a more sustainable energy model.
Today, wind energy accounts for only a small part of the 4% of global energy generation, although various specialized reports predict that the improvement in the efficiency and capacity of wind turbines could increase this percentage. up to 20% by 2040These advances include the construction of larger and more powerful wind turbines, as well as the development of storage technology to mitigate wind intermittency.
Wind energy, key in the energy transition
That wind power It is the main renewable alternative energy in the world and is known to everyone. Proof of this are the advances in the wind turbine power by multinationals in the sector, especially in wind turbines operating in the open sea. These developments not only allow for the generation of more energy, but also improve the competitiveness of wind energy compared to fossil fuels. To achieve these ambitious goals, experts estimate that it will be necessary to increase 2.000 GW more capacity in onshore parks (on land) and 200 GW offshore (at sea) by 2040, with investments of around four trillion dollars.
Latest advances in wind energy
Recently, the Danish multinational Vestas and the Japanese company Mitsubishi, under the brand MHI Vestas Offshore, presented an offshore wind turbine with a power of 9 MW. Installed on the Danish coast, this prototype is capable of generating in 24 hours an amount of energy equivalent to what a home in the USA would consume for two decades, which demonstrates the great technological advance in efficiency of these installations. This wind turbine is designed to operate optimally with winds of between 12 and 25 meters per second.
Power and sustainability
According to Torben Hvid Larsen, CTO of Vestas, this prototype not only set records in power generation, but also brings us one step closer to cheaper and more sustainable electricity production. In Larsen's words: “Our prototype has set another generation record, with 216.000 kWh in a 24-hour period. We believe that it will be key in reducing the costs of offshore wind energy.”.
To have a clear reference, the average annual consumption of a home in Spain is around 3.250 kWh. Taking this figure into account, in a single day of production, this wind turbine could supply electricity to an average home for more than 66 years, which reflects the great potential of this technology to meet large-scale energy needs. In addition, this wind turbine has impressive features, with a total height of 220 meters and shovels of 83 meters long. This makes it one of the largest and most powerful wind turbines in the world.
Challenges and benefits
Not only has the power of wind turbines improved, but electricity production has also become more efficient and economical. The development of larger and more powerful generators allows costs per megawatt/hour to be reduced, making wind energy increasingly competitive with other sources, even in markets where fossil fuels still have a predominant weight. At the same time, wind energy allows electricity to be generated without greenhouse gas emissions, making it one of the key technologies to combat climate change.
In addition to being environmentally friendly, wind energy also promotes economic development. The construction and maintenance of wind farms generates local employment and promote energy independence for countries. This is especially relevant in regions such as Europe, where wind energy will significantly reduce fossil fuel imports.
Wind energy applications
Wind power can be deployed both on land and at sea. On land, the repowering of previously installed wind farms is being prioritized. This involves replacing old wind turbines with new ones with greater capacity, without the need to build new infrastructure. This type of upgrade not only improves energy efficiency, but also minimizes the environmental impact in areas where these parks are already installed.
On the other hand, in marine installations, priority is being given to larger projects. Offshore parks take advantage of the more constant and stronger winds at sea, which significantly increases their generation capacity. Also, thanks to advances in the floating platforms and floating wind turbine technology, new ways of installing wind farms in deeper waters are being explored, opening up new possibilities for regions that were previously unable to take advantage of wind resources.
An energy for the future
According to reports such as that of the Global Wind Energy Council, the installed wind capacity worldwide will continue to grow at an accelerated pace. It is expected to add more than 680 GW new capacity over the next five years, demonstrating global interest in boosting this technology. The most advanced countries in wind energy, such as China, the United States, and Germany, are leading this growth with ambitious policies and long-term plans.
On the other hand, the advance in storage and distribution technologies will allow wind farms to operate more efficiently, mitigating the variability of the energy produced by the winds. Innovations in areas such as battery-based energy storage y Hybrid power plants They are making wind power more reliable in the long term, and combining it with other sources such as solar will allow these networks to be better integrated into existing electrical infrastructures.
The future of wind energy is undoubtedly bright. With ongoing technological advances and governments’ commitment to reducing carbon emissions, wind energy will continue to play a key role in the transition to a world powered by renewable and sustainable energy.