Blowin in the Wind

Renewable energy has a giant part to play in the push to reduce carbon emissions and wind power is one renewable which is having a renaissance, even finding a place in the back yard.
Although eventually losing favour to steam, electrical and oil fuelled engines, wind power was used in antquity, noticeably by the Persians and the Chinese. A wonderful history of wind power is here.




Around 1400 the Dutch started made a more efficient windmill and never really gave up on them.
One of the many interesting sights in Holland today is that of traditional molens (mills) alongside modern wind turbines.
Wind is now used to generate electricity on a massive scale. In Scotland construction of Europe's largest onshore wind farm, Whitelee is almost complete. Its 140 turbines will have the capacity to produce 322MW of clean green energy, enough to power over 180,000 homes.



Whitelee wind farm will produce more than two percent of the country's annual electricity needs. An even larger project, the Clyde Wind Farm has been approved and its 152 turbines will be able to power 320,000 homes.
Offshore wind farms are seen as having the potential to generate around twice as much electricity as those onshore.

Several years of drought in Australia prompted the New South Wales State Government to commission a Water desalination plant at Kurnell near Sydney.
The state government is also getting involved in Capital Wind Farm being built at Bungendore, near Queanbeyan in southern NSW. to offset the massive amount of electricity needed to run the desalination plant.

So wind works, but what about in your back yard? In over seventy different countries you can buy a Skystream 3.7™.



According to Solarshop.com the Skystream 3.7™. is "A new generation grid connect wind turbine that hooks up to your home to help you reduce or eliminate your monthly electricity costs. It’s the first compact, user-friendly, all-inclusive, purpose built domestic grid connect wind generator.



If your site fits the following criteria, Skystream will work for you:
1) At least 16km/h average wind speed (best results at 20km/h or more)
2) Your property is at least 2,000m² and has unobstructed views.
3) The local zoning allows a structure that is at least 12.8m tall
4) Your local utility has an existing interconnection agreement for homeowners
Depending on your installed cost, cost of electricity, and average wind speed, Skystream can pay for itself in as little as five years"



Sadly, although she would like one, there will be no windmill for The Woman and I. We just do not get enough wind to make it an economic proposition.

But for some, it will be just what they need.