Wind energy is not a new concept, in fact, it has been around for centuries. For thousands of years, people have harnessed wind energy. Around 5,000 BC, wind was used to propel boats along the Nile River. By 200 BC, simple wind-powered water pumps were employed in China, and windmills with woven-reed blades were used for grinding grain in Persia and the Middle East.
The number of wind pumps and wind turbines decreased during the 1930s due to rural electrification programs that extended power lines to most farms and ranches nationwide. Nevertheless, some ranches still utilize wind pumps for livestock water supply. Recently, small wind turbines are making a comeback, primarily to provide electricity in remote and rural areas.
In fact, wind farms are beginning to be developed offshore to maximize energy efficiency and production. The Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm project consists of 11 Vestas wind turbines, each with a capacity of 8.8 megawatts, situated just off the coast of Aberdeen. At the time of their construction, these turbines were the most powerful in the world. Vattenfall employs a team based in Aberdeen to maintain them. The project began generating electricity in July 2018.
The wind farm has received up to €40 million in funding from the European Union and is supported by the Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group. The wind turbines are projected to power 80,000 homes and provide over €150,000 in local funding to the community annually. Amazingly, one turn of the blades on those wind turbines can power a home for 24 hours.The proportion of U.S. electricity generated from wind energy has increased from less than 1% in 1990 to approximately 10.2% in 2022. Financial and other incentives for wind energy in Europe have led to a significant expansion of wind energy use there. To learn more about wind energy and its origins click here!