Prospects and challenges of wind energy: A comprehensive anatomy (original) (raw)

Wind is packed with kinetic energymolecules in motion that can be used to make other molecules move such as commonly seen windmill water pumps, or used to compress gas and converted into electricity-when it blows. In this line, wind generation, in particular, has placed new challenges on system operation and planning, because of the "undispatchable" nature of wind, the difficulty of forecasting and the impossibility of storing. Several challenges are associated with wind power use in terms of technical, environmental, financial, political as well as social challenges before considering wind as a major source of energy in the world. This paper attempts to identify major technical, financial and environmental challenges associated with wind energy utilization from feasibility study to generate electricity for regular consumption, based on secondary sources. Finally, the paper addresses emerging important issues to be considered for installing wind power farms and distribution systems.