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Interactive Primary Newsletter 36 Sun and Wind (Renewable Energy Special) |
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answer, my friend?Ten years ago, our Primary Newsletter (8) was concerned with what causes the air surrounding our planet to move and produce what we call wind. As well as discussing how people had harnessed wind in the past to provide mechanical work, it also referred briefly to the potential power of the wind. Indeed the amount of energy in the wind, if it could be fully turned into usable energy, is about three times the current (sorry!) Earth’s annual electrical energy usage. Figure 1 - Causeymire Wind Farm site at Dale Moss near Spittal, Thurso, Caithness. Each turbine (there are 24 in all) is capable of generating 2.3 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to power over 1,200 homes each. They were constructed in Denmark and shipped to Scotland. The wind turbines are 60 metres in height to the hub and the blades are 40m in length. Big! Since then we have seen increasing interest in all forms of renewable energy and, as technology has moved on, more of our electricity can, and is, being generated by the wind. In Scotland this is still only about 3% of our energy needs. There is considerable debate, however, which questions whether wind generation is more than just technically feasible. Whilst it cannot be denied that “clean” electricity is possible, many other factors and opinions should be considered. Groups of wind generators (wind farms - Figure 1) can affect the look and tranquillity of a landscape as well as disturbing wildlife both during their construction and when operational, spinning round at a rate of knots. Cross-curricular debate in the Social Subjects and Science components of Environmental Studies at Level E could look at the advantages and disadvantages of setting up a wind farm in the vicinity of the school. There is often useful material in the media to aid such discussions. In this issue we also look at another form of renewable energy and the design of solar cookers. |
