Wind

Wind energy, like most of our energy sources, comes from solar energy. Radiation from the sun strikes the Earth, causing regions of unequal heating over land and oceans. This unequal heating produces regions of high and low pressure. The warm air rises and cooler air rushes in to replace it, creating wind.

Wind turbines are used to capture the energy of the wind and convert it into electricity. The scale of use varies from single unit installations, supplying remote locations, to large wind farms comprising many wind turbines. A wind farm of approximately 17 acres is capable of generating one megawatt of electricity.

Wind power is the world’s fastest-growing energy source with growth rates of 30 per cent each year. Wind is used to generate electricity all over the world, notably in the United States, Denmark, Germany, Spain and India. At the end of 2003, the world’s wind generation capacity exceeded 39,000 megawatts.

Virtually all regions of Canada have areas with good wind resources. The wind power industry believes it is possible for Canada to produce 50,000 megawatts of wind power, or enough to supply about 20 per cent of the country’s electricity supply. Oceans and large lakes, open prairie and hill or mountain areas often have good winds, and these areas are where Canada’s current wind generation facilities are located.

In early 2004, Canada had about 321 megawatts of installed wind generation, producing enough electricity for about 100,000 homes. As of September 2004, Canada’s installed wind energy capacity increased to 439 megawatts.

There are wind farms in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec and Prince Edward Island. There are also commercial wind turbines in Nova Scotia and the Yukon. Manitoba and New Brunswick are constructing their first wind farms in 2005.

In addition to generating electricity, wind is used for providing mechanical power. On the Prairies, for example, there are several thousand wind turbines that pump water.