In 2022, the growth of wind and solar generation covered 80% of the increase in global electricity demand. Wind has become a key energy source in the migration to the new energy paradigm.

One of the Sustainable Development Goals agreed upon by the countries that are part of the UN is to produce sustainable electricity, and if we want to achieve this goal by 2030, it is necessary to invest in solar, wind and thermal collection infrastructure.

Wind energy situation

Wind energy has emerged as a new paradigm in the production of renewable energy, in a context of the search for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to meet growing energy needs. Harnessing the power of the wind, this form of electricity generation has established itself as one of the most promising solutions for combating the effects of climate change and moving towards a more sustainable, clean and environmentally friendly energy future.

Wind has been a source of energy used by mankind for centuries, and has now gained prominence thanks to technological advances and the growing awareness of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In the current context of climate crisis, the expansion of wind energy is particularly relevant. In 2022, solar and wind energy broke production records in Spain, marking a milestone in the transition to a more sustainable energy model. Wind energy has become the leading electricity generation technology in Spain, contributing more than 23% of total production. This achievement demonstrates its viability and its capacity to supply a significant part of the country's energy demand.

What are the advantages of wind energy?

Wind energy is based on the conversion of the wind's kinetic energy into electricity through wind turbines. These large structures, consisting of a tower with rotating blades, capture the kinetic energy of the wind and transform it into mechanical energy, which is then converted into electricity.

Some of the most significant advantages of wind energy are:

• It is inexhaustible: the availability of wind as a resource is practically inexhaustible, since it is derived from natural heating and cooling processes in the atmosphere. This guarantees a long-term energy source.
• Generates electricity without emitting pollutants: wind turbines generate electricity without polluting or emitting greenhouse gases. Unlike traditional energy sources, such as coal or oil, wind power does not contribute to global warming or air and water pollution. It therefore helps in the fight against climate change and the reduction of atmospheric pollution.
• Reduced environmental impact: compared to thermal and nuclear power plants, wind farms have a relatively low environmental impact. They do not generate hazardous waste nor do they need to use water in their regular operations.
• Reduces long-term costs: although the initial investment to build a wind farm is high, the operating and maintenance cost is low. It is an investment that pays off in the long term.
• Distributed power generation: wind turbines can be installed in a wide variety of locations (offshore, urban, rural, etc.), allowing for more decentralized power generation.
• Creates jobs: the wind industry generates jobs at multiple levels, from the manufacture and construction of wind turbines to their operation and maintenance.

Leading companies in the energy sector have made a strong commitment to wind energy as part of their sustainability and emissions reduction strategy, and are investing in the research and development of technologies that optimize the efficiency and performance of their wind farms. At MonoM we have a specific solution for the management of the wind industry.

In conclusion, wind energy has established a new paradigm in renewable energy production. Its ability to generate clean electricity and its versatility make it an attractive and sustainable solution to meet society's energy needs while caring for the planet.

Humanity is reaching a point of no return in terms of energy; we are becoming less and less dependent on petroleum derivatives. In the particular case of wind energy, based on the technology developed, it is expected that the future lies in offshore winds. Abandoning fossil fuels will allow us to lead the era of electrification and move towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Sources:

https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/726776

https://www.upc.edu/en/press-room/pdfs/keys-for-a-new-energy-paradigm.pdf

https://www.cepsa.com/es/planet-energy/energia-con-futuro/la-energia-solar-y-eolica-baten-su-record-de-produccion-en-2022

https://aeeolica.org/la-energia-eolica-primera-tecnologia-de-generacion-electrica-en-espana-con-mas-del-23-de-la-produccion/

https://www.endesa.com/es/la-cara-e/energias-renovables/energia-eolica

https://www.repsol.com/es/energia-futuro/futuro-planeta/energia-eolica/index.cshtml

https://www.factorenergia.com/es/blog/eficiencia-energetica/energia-eolica/

https://www.iberdrola.com/sostenibilidad/energia-eolica

https://revistas.eleconomista.es/energia/2022/marzo/cambio-de-paradigma-en-la-generacion-de-energia-la-eolica-como-oportunidad-AL10821111