G - Wind power cast study Flashcards
Where are these wind farms?
In the UK
What are the aims of the wind farms?
To generate 10% of power by renewable energy sources
What do the UK want to be responsible for?
1/3 of electricity generated
What were the number of wind farms operational in July, 2011?
306
What is the future of ‘offshore’ farms?
To become more important with 8GW to be generated by 2016
What is the size of modern wind turbines?
100-200m, including the blades - offshore turbines tend to be the largest
How far are offshore operations off the coast?
Usually within 4-6km but some planned developments will be over 18km
What makes the UK the best place for the wind farms?
- Shallow waters
- Require an exposed location clear of any obstructions
How can small differences in distance make a difference in the potential of the site? (give example using figures)
A site that is 10% less windy means that 20% less energy is generated
What are the positives of the wind farms? (give at least 3-4)
- Wind is free
- Produces renewable energy
- Energy produced doesn’t cause greenhouse gases or other pollutants
- Each wind farm takes up a small plot of land (so the land underneath can be used for things like agriculture)
- Produces electricity in remote areas
- Interesting feature of landscape
- Offshore ones have no effect on sea life
What are the negatives of the wind farms (give at least 3-4 points)
- Noise pollution
- Affect migrating birds
- House prices near by made be reduced
- Cost of generating electricity is more expensive than traditional methods
- Turbines can be very tall and an eyesore