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Wind power


Wind power is the fastest growing source of energy in the world, touted as a clean, sustainable alternative to traditional energy. Simply put, wind powers a wind turbine that produces electricity.

In Manitoba, Manitoba Hydro purchases 99 megawatts of wind-generated power from the St Leon wind farm and has plans to develop up to 1000 megawatts of wind power over the next decade. (1)

Homes and farms can also install small wind turbines to augment or replace grid electricity.

Wind turbines are installed on top of a tall tower to collect kinetic energy from wind and convert it to electricity. The towers must usually stand 10 metres above anything within 100 metres of the tower. The size of the turbine depends on the energy requirements. One turbine is normally adequate for a home or farm.

The turbines may either be used on or off-grid.

  • On-grid systems will supplement grid electricity.
  • Off-grid systems are a good choice to provide electricity to remote locations that might otherwise require diesel generators, thus saving on fuel costs and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Wind power has a number of benefits.

  • Environment – Wind power produces no air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Energy Savings – It will lower electricity bills by up to 100 percent (the amount of money saved is dependent on electricity costs, amount used, average wind speed at site, etc.). In remote areas, installing wind power could avoid the high costs of extending power lines.
  • Complements Solar Power – Wind power could complement a solar photovoltaic system, with solar better in summer and wind in winter.
  • Versatility – Wind turbines can be installed at nearly any existing home without need to change wiring or appliances.

However, there are some issues to address.

  • Cost – Wind power requires a significant initial investment (but can be comparable with conventional energy sources when taking into account a lifetime of reduced utility costs)
  • Safety – Precautions must be taken when installing and operating wind power
  • Extreme weather – The wind turbine can be damaged by harsh weather
  • Neighbours – Neighbours should be consulted, as they may have concerns about aesthetics and noise
  • Noise – The amount of noise will depend on wind characteristics and design of wind turbine
  • Aesthetics – A wind turbine may not be pleasing to everyone’s eyes
  • Zoning – In some places, local zoning does not allow wind power installation. Zoning is particularly restrictive if you are in or near an urban area, or if you have less than one acre of land. Building permits are normally needed
  • Local wildlife – There could be some danger to birds in certain conditions (2)