- What is it?
Wind is produced by the energy contained in the air, molecules in movement.
The wind can be transformed into useful energy. Wind energy conversion systems are called wind turbines (modern and industrial size machines) or windmills (old-fashioned or smaller machines).
- How it works
Wind turbines capture the air’s kinetic energy, transforming it first into mechanical and then into electrical energy.
In simple terms, the force of the wind hitting the wind turbine’s blades causes the central hub of the machine to turn, thus powering an electric generator. The location of the blades and generator atop a tower provides the best access to the wind, in the same way that a flag atop a flagpole is lifted aloft. The electricity produced is injected into the electric system and transmitted to consumers.
A group of wind turbines in the same geographic area forms a windfarm, wind energy park, or wind energy project. This electric energy from the wind contributes significantly to the large-scale generation needs of the electric power system.
- Brazilian wind energy potential
Brazil is naturally priviledged in terms of its energy resources, and particularly as regards renewable energy. In addition to its hydroelectric, solar and biomass potential, the country has an enormous potential for wind energy generation.
The Brazilian wind energy resource has been estimated as being on the order of 145 GW, at 50 meters’ hub height, according to the Brazilian Wind Energy Atlas (Atlas do Potencial Eólico Brasileiro (MME-2001)). Modern wind turbines use towers of at least 100m in height and this indicates that the national potential could even far exceed the 145 GW estimate.
The Brazilian wind energy market began to grow with the creation of the PROINFA Renewable Energy Source Support Program (“PROINFA – Programa de Incentivo às Fontes Alternativas de Energia”), created by Law 10.438/02 and administered by ELETROBRAS, the holding company for the public energy utilities within Brazil’s electric sector. This program contracted approximately 1,422 MW generated by 54 wind energy projects.
Starting in 2009, the renewable energy auctions (“Leilões de Energia de Reserva e de Fontes Alternativas”), carried out and regulated by agencies of the federal government, have provided a major new market on a scale sufficient to attract a broad spectrum of manufacturers, project developers and service providers, creating an environment of healthy competition, diversity, and maturity, as well as providing long term stability for investors.
- Sustainability
Wind energy is one of the most promising new sources of energy, principally because it’s renewable and economically competitive, and, if used to substitute fossil fuel generation, helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Wind energy has enjoyed an annual growth rate of 25% and worldwide installed wind energy capacity is expected to reach 200 GW by the end of 2010 (equivalent to the generation of about ten hydroelectric dams the size of Itaipu).
Wind energy projects don’t interrupt tradional uses of the land, don’t displace landowners, and are compatible with other economic uses of the land. Landowners receive rent, and this, combined with jobs created during construction and operation, stimulates the regional economy, which can be of substantial importance in poorer regions. Wind energy projects do not produce pollutants and have very few impacts, most of which can be minimized with good engineering.
Wind energy contributes to the diversification of the Brazilian energy system, reducing dependence on other sources. Wind energy is highly complementary with hydrolectric energy (another renewable energy source) and helps to preserve water in reservoirs during periods of drought.
The introduction of new tecnologies and/or markets requires the attraction and training of professionals drawn from diverse areas, generating jobs and income. Furthermore, many wind energy projects will be installed in Brazil’s rural areas, in small towns, injecting both significant investments and tax income. Newly created infrastructure (roads, bridges and electrical systems) will reduce social inequality and improve the quality of life for local residents.
Finally, society must choose the best form of energy to support its social and economic growth. Today’s citizens recognize that wind energy can contribute significantly to the planet’s present and future well being. This is a responsibility of all and Casa dos Ventos is pleased to do its part.
