Wind energy is one of the most popular of alternative energies because it is seen as renewable and, thus, sustainable. On the surface, energy generated from the wind seems to help delay the impending climate crisis. After all, records show that wind energy ‘saves the emission of nearly 68,000 tons of carbon dioxide, 600 tons of sulphur dioxide, and 200 tons of nitrogen oxides.’
But what happens when wind-energy generation is done on a massive scale as seen in wind turbine farms that blanket stretches of the oceans?
Andrew Levy in Mail Online says, “But, at the same time, these wind turbines are creating a new little climate of their own. The phenomenon is caused by the spinning 130ft blades which churn up the warm air at sea level and mix it with cooler air above at Scroby Sands, near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk. When this happens, the water begins condensing as droplets which become visible.”
Photographs captured from an airplane show that ‘the spinning blades whip moisture into the air like giant egg mixers,’ proving that ‘wind farms create their own micro-climate. It is the same as any geographical feature affecting the weather.’
The particular wind farm observed is composed of ‘30 turbines that has been generating up to 60 megawatts of power – enough for 30,000 homes – since it was built in 2004.’
The micro-climate produced by the churning wind turbines quickly dissipate on windy days. When this happens, no significant impact is felt on the nearby lands.
