| Energy from the wind represents a clean and renewable method of producing electricity. Its future as a means of complementing electricity production from other sources (in particular nuclear) seems clear from a logical point of view. But the pros and cons of wind energy are the subject of bitter discussion. For the moment, energy from the wind is more expensive to produce than that resulting from classic processes (nuclear, thermal), and so government subsidies are required (mainly in the form of preferential buy-back rates). The immediate future of wind energy may therefore be slowed down somewhat if its adversaries manage to convince the powers that be in
some
countries. But these delays do seem to be the last desperate stand of an army in retreat: it is certain that in the future more and more huge propellers are going to flower in the zones where the wind often blows.
The EWEA (European Wind Energy Association) estimates that total European Union capacity should reach 180 GW in 2020 (3 times more than in 2007). At this level, it would represent 13% of total demand for electricity (compared to 7.5% in 2007).
In France, the SER (The industrial association for renewable energy) and its wind energy branch (the FFE), are forecasting an ambitious level of 25 GW by 2020 (from a 2007 figure of 2.5 GW), which would represent 11% of national electricity consumption.
The future of wind energy depends also on offshore installations, out in the sea where the winds are stronger and more regular. A variety of techniques are envisaged and, in some cases, are already undergoing trials: artificial islands, wind turbines on floating foundations moored in up to 60m-deep water, inspired by the offshore oil rigs…However, the prototypes on the drawing board or under trial are very expensive in research and development terms. In 2007, the installed offshore wind turbine capacity in the European Union was 1.12 GW (of which three quarters in Denmark and the United Kingdom), accounting for 2% of total wind energy, still a very low figure.
But who would claim that research and ingenuity are not rewarded? In the 1990’s, French overseas departments, like Guadeloupe, had no wind turbines and their installation was out of the question. Why? Because of the frequent hurricanes in this Caribbean region, of course. Any turbine, even anchored in concrete, would very quickly be torn loose in such violent winds. The Vergnet company has found the solution to the problem: turbines that can be dismantled in 45 minutes in the event of a hurricane warning. Held in place by lightweight stays, they can even be installed in places where access is difficult. Vergnet has planned trials in 2008 of a large 1 MW version of this type (4 times larger than existing turbines): 70m high, 62m in diameter.
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