#windfarming

[nelc]

[savage-rhi]

When Death Stranding 2 comes out and I hit up the online play

[loworbittourist]

Scurry county - Texas 🌎 4k link

[ssaalexblake]

The sea looks absolutely stunning today and I'm very glad I took a detour to go look at it 🥰

[leaving-fragments]

ngl i get way more mad at reactions to Just Stop Oil activities than the actual actions they took. like stop being patronising to these ppl who are desperate for more people to actually listen and do something

[atompowers]

A new dawn spreads like winds through a windfarm

Photo by Nimesh Makwana on Unsplash

[energy-5]

Wind Farms: Harvesting Energy on a Grand Scale

Wind farms represent the vanguard of renewable energy, showcasing how the forces of nature can be harnessed on a grand scale to power our cities, industries, and homes. These sprawling complexes of towering turbines are becoming an increasingly common sight across vast tracts of land and coastal areas around the world, symbolizing the shift towards sustainable energy production.

The Composition of Wind Farms

A wind farm is an assemblage of multiple wind turbines in a single location used for the production of electric power. A large wind farm may consist of several hundred individual wind turbines, and they cover an extended area of hundreds of square miles. The land between the turbines may be used for agricultural or other purposes. For instance, the Gansu Wind Farm in China stretches over 7,965 square miles, an area larger than some countries.

Site Selection: A Crucial Step

The placement of a wind farm is a meticulous process that involves consideration of wind patterns, environmental impact, and proximity to the grid. Optimal sites are usually in areas with steady, strong winds averaging at least 14 miles per hour. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), wind farms on the U.S. coasts and Great Lakes could generate more than twice the amount of electricity used by the entire country. Coastal areas have the advantage of offshore wind farms which can utilize stronger ocean winds and have less visual impact on the community.

The Technology Behind Wind Farms

Wind turbines in these farms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime. Turbines are now smarter, with sensors and automated systems that adjust blade rotation and orientation to the wind for optimal energy capture. Many have a capacity of 2-3 MW each, with some of the largest offshore turbines boasting a capacity of up to 12 MW. The DOE states that a 2 MW wind turbine can supply electricity to over 500 homes.

The Economics of Wind Energy

Wind farms are economically compelling as well. The cost of wind-generated electricity has plummeted over the past decade, with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reporting that onshore wind power is now among the cheapest sources of electricity in many parts of the world. Wind farm projects also create jobs, both in construction and maintenance; the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) reported that the sector employed 1.2 million people worldwide as of 2021.

Impact on the Grid and Energy Markets

Wind farms play a significant role in grid stability and energy markets. As intermittent sources, they are often backed by energy storage systems or integrated into a larger grid infrastructure that can balance supply and demand. Innovative solutions like battery storage or interconnections with other renewable sources are being developed to mitigate wind’s variability. Market-wise, the increased wind energy supply is driving down electricity costs and fostering competition among energy sources.

Environmental and Societal Considerations

While wind farms are a boon to renewable energy, they are not without their challenges. Concerns over wildlife, especially birds and bats, and noise pollution for nearby residents are significant issues that require careful planning and mitigation strategies. Nevertheless, the environmental impact is substantially lower compared to fossil fuel-based power generation. Wind farms also contribute positively to the local communities through land lease payments and increased tax revenues used for schools, roads, and healthcare services.

Looking Forward: The Evolution of Wind Energy

The future of wind farms is intertwined with advancements in technology and energy policy. Continued research in aerodynamics, materials science, and turbine design is poised to make wind energy even more efficient and less expensive. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that by 2040, wind and solar will power more than a third of the world, with wind energy being a significant contributor. Wind farms are not just about generating electricity; they are about reshaping our energy landscape, fostering sustainable development, and creating a blueprint for future energy solutions.

[animate-everything-everywhere]

[suxxesphoto]

Winchelsea Strand Viewpoint

Winchelsea on the outskirts of the high weald and east Sussex is an interesting little town and turns out with some photogenic viewpoints from the old medieval Strand gate. (more…) “”

[changethecircumstances]

Me: Man, I'm so glad I'm done with the Water Prison

My friend: But don't we go back through there with Eileen-

Me through gritted teeth: Man! I'm so glad we're done with the water prison!

[savage-rhi]

Me at anyone heading to the Windfarm in Death Stranding

[vacuously-true]

Come on look at this 😭 don't you get it 😭

people looooove to act like the ocean is so special and sexy. "ohhh it's so wide open you can see seven miles to the horizon!" yeah illinois is like that too. "you can see the curve of the earth!!" i've seen it over harvested cornfields in illinois. "but there's waves on the ocean!" corn has waves too. there's even eldrich creatures as yet unidentified by biologists living in the corn. you're not special, ocean. you're not special.

[retops]

you can't even hear them while they work

[marc--chilton]

wow this opener is A Lot right now