renewable energy

• effectiveness of wind power (benefits)

  • Wind power provides sustainable energy so it won’t run out(1) it allows countries to be energy secure and not reliant on other countries for imports(1)
  • In Scotland wind provides enough energy to power the country for the entire day and excess can be sold for profit(1)
  • This is because Scotland has a windy climate and large areas of exposed upland(1) e.g Eaglesham moor.
  • wind energy produced from onshore wind farms produces the cheapest energy compared to other energy sources(1) which may lower customers’ energy bills(1)
• effectiveness of wind power (costs)

  • It is difficult to store wind power, resulting in some being wasted(1)
  • Wind power can be intermittent(1) as during high pressure there may be no wind or low wind speeds(1) resulting in wind turbines not turning much and producing little power(1) This can coincide with winter when power demands are higher meaning wind cannot be used as the only source of energy in a country(1)
  • Wind turbines need to be carefully placed away from migration routes to avoid harming or killing birds(1)
  • Wind turbines are of often located in rural areas, so long transmutation lines are needed to move electricity to where it is needed(1)
  • Low frequency noise emitted from wind farms can disturb nearby residents(1)
  • Wind turbines are also expensive to build and repair if damaged, limiting their amount of use(1)