How Wind Energy Works

Wind turbines generate electricity by harvesting the power of the wind, producing no greenhouse gases or air pollution.

Wind passes over the turbine’s blades and, similar to the wing of an airplane, creates lift. The pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the blade turns the rotor, converting the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity.

Wind turbines can generate energy with rotor speeds ranging from 6.5 to 12.01 per minute. Protection is built into the control system to stop the turbines from spinning if the wind is at a speed above 25 metres per second, which can potentially damage the equipment.

Wind farms are designed to last for 25 years and longer, contributing much-needed electricity supply as well as environmental benefits.