The developments which have occurred in the wind power sector over the last decade have turned this particular source of energy into one of the basic pillars of the national grid and helped reduce the use of fossil fuels. In 2008, wind-power covered 11% of the domestic demand for electricity in Spain and is expected to cover 17% in 2016.
The atmosphere and land surfaces are heated unevenly by solar radiation, producing an unequal distribution of atmospheric pressure and causing masses of air to move, i.e. wind.
Wind power converts the wind’s kinetic energy directly into electricity through wind turbines, normally grouped together in wind farms placed in areas with a high potential for such energy.
Marine wind farms use the same basic technology as land-based ones, although wind turbines in the sea tend to be larger and designed to work in a salty environment.
Late 2008 saw the worldwide production of 122,158 MW of electricity from wind-farms, an annual increase of 42.4% over the installed capacity levels of the previous year.
Once wind power’s contribution to the reduction of fossil-fuel use is accepted, the immediate future for this technology is to have it integrated into national grid management.
In-depth knowledge of the technology is essential in order to use accumulated know-how and experience to cover the customer’s requirements. Although wind power is only a moderately-complex technology, knowing how to take advantage of wind resources and the long-term reliability of the wind turbines requires great experience if we are to offer complete and effective technical support.
Ever since the first wind power projects were implemented in Spain, ALTERMIA’s technicians have been providing consultancy services throughout every stage of development and independent advice in acquisitions or financing wind power assets.