Wind Energy
Energy of the wind can be economically used for the generation of electrical energy.
- Wind can be caused from two main factors:
- Heating and cooling of the atmosphere which generates convection currents. Heating is caused by the absorption of solar energy on the earth’s surface and in the atmosphere.
- The rotation of the earth with respect to atmosphere, and its motion around the sun.
Wind Energy Potential (in terms of wind speed) across India is shown below:

Schematic of how energy produced from wind is converted into electricity:

Wind energy site selection consideration
- The best sites, for wind energy are found off shore and the sea coast. An average value on the coast is 2400 kWh/m2 per year.
- The second best sites are in mountains. A typical average value is 1600 kWh/m2 per year.
- The lowest level of wind energy is found in plains where values are generally three or four times lower than that at the coast. A typical average is 750 kWh/m2 per year.