Wind Power

Wind power results from the conversion of solar energy – the sun’s radiation heats different parts of the earth at different rates that causes portions of the atmosphere to warm differently. When hot air rises, cool air is drawn into replace it and wind results. A portion of the kinetic energy of wind can be converted into mechanical energy (by rotors) and into electricity (by a generator).

The development of wind power is booming worldwide. Global wind capacity has increased by an annual average of 28% between 2000 and 2005 while Canadian wind capacity has increased by an annual average of 38% between 2000 and 2005. Although wind capacity in Canada still represents less than 1% of total electricity generation, it accounts for over 20% of electricity generation in Denmark, over 6% in Spain and over 5% in Germany.

The use of wind energy in Canada is dramatically increasing for several reasons. Wind has recently improved its cost competitiveness against conventional generation. Also, government tax and other incentives are available to encourage renewable power. Renewable power, such as wind power, does not result in greenhouse gas emissions – it is carbon-free power and helps to fight climate change. Wind power is also increasingly popular in Canada because it is compatible with existing land uses such as farming, ranching, forestry and recreation. Wind development also provides an additional source of income for landowners and property tax for municipalities.

The Canadian government committed in its Climate Change Plan to reducing total greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020. As part of meeting that commitment, the federal government announced Canada’s objective of supplying 90 percent of its electricity generation by non-emitting sources by 2020. Wind power, along with other renewable energy technologies, will assist Canada in reaching that goal and reducing national greenhouse gas emissions.