The Power Of Wind

Imagine, wind can provide 40 times or more electricity the world uses today! The energy from wind is clean, free, renewable and sustainable. So why is wind not used to its full potential?

- Emmanuel D’Silva

THE total installed electricity capacity from wind power in the world amounted to 432,883 MW in 2015, an increase of 17% over the previous year. Over 40% of this capacity comes from China and India. The U.S., Germany and Spain contribute 33%.

The windmill is a device that converts wind energy into a usable form of energy. It consists of large sails mounted on a shaft. As the sails are pushed by the wind, the shaft revolves and activates the machinery connected to it like a water pump, a millstone or an electricity generator.

Wind power generation is growing rapidly in India. Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are the leaders. Wind contributes 9% to India’s electricity grid, more than solar photovoltaics; but less than coal and hydro. The government has set a goal of generating 60,000 MW of wind power by 2022. So far, 46% of the target has been met, an impressive feat.

The district of Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu is often called India’s wind alley. Giant wind turbines dot the rice fields. The small settlement of Aralvaimozhi, located in a hilly area 17 km from the southernmost tip of India, is a good example of India’s $2 billion clean energy programme. The Muppandal Wind Farm, located in this area, generates a massive 450 MW of electricity, making it Asia’s largest wind farm.