Unpredictable
1. Inconsistent / Unpredictable
Wind energy faces challenges associated with intermittency, stemming from the erratic nature of wind patterns. Due to the variable speeds at which the wind can blow, accurately forecasting the energy yield at any specific moment becomes challenging. Consequently, suppliers and urban areas must maintain energy reserves or employ alternative power sources to compensate for extended periods of low wind activity.
2. Wind power is limited by location
The viability of wind power is contingent on geographical factors. Wind energy is not universally applicable, requiring regions characterized by consistent and robust wind patterns to justify investments. Even in optimal settings such as coastal areas, hills, and open fields where wind intensity is heightened, the challenge of intermittency persists, as energy production diminishes or halts during periods of reduced or absent wind, illustrating the inherent limitations of wind power.
Limited by location
3. Wind power is situated in distant locations
Wind power is geographically dispersed and necessitates extensive transmission infrastructure. Turbines and generation sites are often situated at considerable distances from population centers where electricity demand is high. Consequently, the establishment of transmission lines becomes imperative to ensure the viability of this energy generation method. However, it's essential to note that the increase in the distance of transmission lines may result in a loss of the generated electrical power.
Annual FinancialCommitments in Renewable Energy
Wind Coast
Renewable Energy Employment by Country
Wind turbines is harmful to nearby environment
4. Wind turbines can harm nearby environment
Wind turbines exert adverse effects on the surrounding environment. The substantial size and high rotational speeds of a wind turbine's blades pose a threat to flying species, such as birds and bats, which may collide with and suffer harm or fatality. Additionally, the establishment of wind farms can potentially disturb the natural habitats of local species, unless carried out sustainably. Nevertheless, advancements in technology and strategic site selection for wind farms can mitigate these issues to some extent.
Maintenance
5. Maintenance
Similar to any mechanical equipment, ongoing maintenance is a necessity for residential wind turbines, albeit not excessively so (typically ranging from $130 to $260 per annum). Always inquire about the expected annual maintenance costs before finalizing the purchase of any turbine. Periodically, you'll need to replace worn-out components. While most modern wind turbines are expected to last approximately 20 to 25 years, it's likely that you'll need to replace the inverter after 8 to 10 years (with costs ranging from $2,000 to $4,000).
Why Taiwan Maintains Wind Power Generation
1. Energy Diversification:
Taiwan, being an island with relatively scarce resources, has always faced the critical issue of energy security. By developing wind power and other renewable energy sources, Taiwan can reduce its dependence on imported energy and achieve energy diversification.
2. Environmental Protection:
Wind power generation is one of the clean energy sources, emitting almost no greenhouse gases or air pollutants compared to traditional fossil fuels. Therefore, developing wind power can help reduce air pollution, improve environmental quality, and protect ecosystems.
3. Climate Change:
Wind power is a low-carbon energy source, contributing to mitigating the impacts of climate change. With increasing global attention to climate change, developing wind power has become an important measure for Taiwan to address climate change.
4. Technological Advancement:
Despite the need for further improvement, advancements in technology and investments have gradually improved the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of wind power generation. Thus, through continuous research and technological innovation, Taiwan aims to further enhance the competitiveness of wind power generation.
5. Economic Development:
Developing wind power can also stimulate the growth of related industries, including manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of wind power equipment, thereby creating job opportunities and driving economic growth.
Current Drawbacks of Wind Power Generation in Taiwan and Recommendations for the Future
1. Energy Diversification:
- Current Drawback: Taiwan's energy diversification level is relatively low, still heavily reliant on imported energy and non-green energy sources such as thermal power generation, with renewable energy accounting for a small proportion.
- Improvement and Future Development: Strengthen investment and policy support for renewable energy, encourage private sector participation in renewable energy projects, and enhance the technological and economic viability of renewable energy sources.
2. Environmental Protection:
- Current Drawback: Some wind power projects may affect bird migration routes and habitats, and offshore wind turbines can generate noise pollution impacting marine ecosystems. Additionally, the manufacturing and disposal processes of wind power equipment may cause environmental pollution.
- Improvement and Future Development: Enhance environmental impact assessments, consider ecosystem protection when selecting construction sites, and promote sustainable manufacturing and recycling of wind power equipment.
3. Climate Change:
- Current Drawback: Taiwan's policies and actions to address climate change are relatively lagging, requiring stronger emission reduction targets and action plans.
- Improvement and Future Development: Establish stricter emission reduction targets and timetables, encourage the development and application of low-carbon technologies, and promote large-scale deployment of renewable energy.
4. Technological Advancement:
- Current Drawback: Wind power generation technology still faces issues such as low efficiency, noise pollution, and low reliability, coupled with high manufacturing and installation costs.
- Improvement and Future Development: Increase research and development investment, enhance the efficiency and reliability of wind power generation equipment, reduce production costs, and drive continuous innovation and advancement in wind power technology.
5. Economic Development:
- Current Drawback: Some wind power projects may encounter insufficient funding and investment, and the development and nurturing of related industrial chains remain incomplete.
- Improvement and Future Development: Provide more financial and policy support, encourage private investment in wind power projects, foster the development of wind power industrial chains, and enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the entire industry."