From Guest Blogger Pano: Wind Farms for Renewable Energy: Is It Worth Investing in for the UK?

The UK Government has just backed £315 million worth of renewable energy projects and earlier this year it was announced that the UK is on track to hit our green targets. So it’s evident that providing a sustainable energy source is at the forefront of everyone’s minds. But wind farms have long been causing debate amongst environmentalists, with many believing that they are simply too expensive to build, others claiming that they are an eyesore in Britain’s natural sites, and some questioning whether they could actually have an adverse effect on global warming.

Theoretically, the power potential of wind farming is enormous. In fact, we could have the potential to produce over 20 times more power than the entire world population requires to survive. So could the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to wind farming in the UK?

The Huge Potential of Wind Farms

Wind turbines currently only account for around 2% of the globe’s energy production which means that we have not been utilising this method to its full output; there’s much more potential than we currently realise. In the UK, wind power contributes to 9.3% of the nation’s energy consumption and we have the optimum climatic conditions to cultivate even more.

The use of wind energy is considered to be pure and ‘clean’; there are no harmful chemicals released when producing this kind of energy. In addition, the energy source for wind turbines will create an indefinite source for life; as wind is created by the sun, we will be able to use wind turbines as long as the sun is alive. And whilst the cost of building wind farms is high, the day to day operational costs are comparatively low.

Should the UK Invest More into Wind Farming?

If the UK decide to invest further into wind farming, there also needs to be consideration for the adverse effects such as threats to wildlife, noise pollution, or the potential risk of windfarm disasters which we have already witnessed in the UK. The most stringent management of health and safety regulations and sufficient offshore energy insurance are imperative for wind farm operators.

There’s also the initial outlay for building a wind farm which is extortionately high and the government is divided in deciding whether the benefits will eventually outweigh the costs. Wind energy, although indefinite, is a fluctuating source in some parts of the world and isn’t ideal for every location. Unless pumped hydro or energy storage system is in place, a wind farm alone may not meet the basic needs of homes.

With the varying factors, advantages and disadvantages, wind farming will continue to be topic of divided opinions. Whatever the outcome, it could become clearer after the 2015 general elections.