Title: Wind energy today and in the 21st century

Authors: Per Dannemand Andersen, Peter Hjuler Jensen

Addresses: Wind Energy and Atmospheric Physics Department, Riso National, Laboratory DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark. Wind Energy and Atmospheric Physics Department, Riso National, Laboratory DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark

Abstract: Wind energy is the most promising of the new renewable sources of energy. By the end of 1998, the global installed capacity of modern grid connected wind turbines was some 10,000 MW, and the growth rates of installations worldwide are 30%-40% annually. The cost of wind energy was reduced by 30% between 1991 and 1997 and the cost reduction is foreseen to continue. This article reviews the reasons why wind turbines have been a successful technology for clean and safe production of electricity, and it outlines the future potentials for wind energy technology.

Keywords: wind power; wind turbines; prospectives; environmental aspects; technology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.2000.000859

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 2000 Vol.13 No.1/2/3, pp.145-158

Published online: 24 Jul 2003 *

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