According to a recent article published by the Globe and Mail, Canada is ninth in global wind energy rankings, falling behind power houses like China, the U.S., Germany, and a few others countries making large investments in alternative forms of energy. Canada alone produced about 6,200 MW at the end of 2012, and represents just over 2% of the world’s wind power.
How can wind power in Canada help your business?
More and more retailers, restaurants, hotels and members of other major industries are starting to rely on wind power to help lower emissions and reduce energy costs. If you’re a Canadian business and you’re curious about whether wind power can help you make the jump to renewable energy, check out the Canada Wind Energy Association’s Small Wind Website. You’ll find everything you need to know about wind turbines and whether or not installing one is the right decision for your business.
What is wind power?
Wind power is actually a source of solar power. As the sun heats our planet at different temperatures, in different places, at different times, the scattered distribution of heat causes warm air rise and cool air to descend. The result of this ongoing movement is wind. If you’re interested in learning more about the technical side of wind energy, take a look at our article entitled Energy basics: what is wind power?
Looking ahead: Innovations in the field of wind energy
What are some of the steps being taken to improve the ranking of wind power in the renewable hot list? One American entrepreneur, Saul Griffith, has an idea that is taking wind energy soaring to new heights, literally. Saul wants to use high-altitude wind energy from kites in order to generate power, and here’s how.
Griffiths business, Makani Power is in the process of developing the Makani Airborne Wind Turbine, a tethered wing that generates power by flying in large circles where the wind is stronger and more consistent. According to the site, these wings eliminate 90% of material used in conventional wind turbines and can access winds at higher altitudes and over deep waters offshore.
What do you think? Is this a high flying idea that could help your business lower costs, or just another pipe dream with a crash landing in sight? Watch this Ted talk given by Saul on harnessing wind energy through kites and leave your comments below.
image credit: vironevaeh
