Wind and Wave Power

Wind is an excellent and clean source of energy. Wind power in the form of windmills has been used for centuries to grind grain to make flour and to pump water. Today wind machines called wind turbines are used in many parts of the world to turn the kinetic energy of wind into electricity.

Small turbines can provide power to individual homes. Wind farms are areas where a large number of wind turbines are grouped together, providing a larger total energy source.

By the early 21st century, wind was producing just more than 1% of the world's total electricity. This is increasing because of the cost of petroleum and the effects of using fossil fuel on the climate and environment.

Wind farms work best in areas with strong winds; however, these areas are not always near large population centres. If there were more wind farms, we’d have cleaner energy but some people are worried about their effect on wildlife.

Wave power is another ‘clean’ energy. When the wind blows across the sea, it passes its energy to the waves. The stronger the waves, the more power they can make. This energy can then be used to make electricity.  Successful use of wave energy only happens in a few places around the world such as along North America’s west coast, the coasts of Scotland and Australia.