The climate change agenda is a scam, part IV - Wind Energy
Wind energy is inefficient, uses unsustainable, hazardous materials, and has a negative impact on wildlife. This is a review of all facts on it that everyone should read.
We're getting used to seeing wind turbines. This type of energy generation is marketed as environmentally friendly and clean. Is it?!
Most people are unaware that building wind turbines has a negative impact on the environment, which includes mining and the use of child labour. Steel is an important component of wind turbines, but its production is a significant source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Wind turbine recycling is still in its early stages, which means that wind turbines generate a lot of waste, and the size of the waste takes up a lot of land.
🤷♂️ So, how green is this energy?Wind turbines have a low capacity factor when compared to other energy sources.
Wind turbines require external power to begin operation.
When wind turbines are pushed onto people's land, it must be addressed, but it is ignored. I went over the wind energy facts, which cover everything from wind turbine materials and manufacturing to environmental impact assessment. I compared the efficiency to other energy sources. I wrote a review about it, which you can find below. Please use and share it freely.
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What exactly is wind power? 🧐
Wind power generates electricity by harnessing the kinetic energy of moving air, or wind. Wind energy is typically generated through the use of large structures known as wind turbines, which are strategically placed in areas with consistent and strong winds, such as onshore and offshore locations, to maximise energy production.
Wind turbines are composed of several major components.
Blades are long, aerodynamic structures that are attached to a rotor. The force of the wind causes the blades to spin.
The rotor is attached to the blades and spins when the wind blows over them.
The spinning rotor powers a generator, which converts the mechanical energy of rotation into electrical energy.
The turbine's tower raises the rotor and blades, allowing them to capture stronger and more consistent winds.
So, the wind pushes against the turbines' blades, causing them to spin. This rotation powers the rotor, which is linked to the generator. Through electromagnetic induction, the generator converts mechanical energy from the rotating rotor into electrical energy. A series of magnets and coils inside the generator create a magnetic field that generates an electric current when the coils move within the magnetic field. The generated electricity is then distributed via power lines to homes, businesses, and industries, where it can power various devices and systems.
What is the size of wind turbines?
Average Onshore Wind Turbine
Rotor Diameter: Around 80 to 120 meters (262 to 394 feet).
Tower Height: Around 80 to 120 meters (262 to 394 feet).
Average Offshore Wind Turbine
Rotor Diameter: Often exceeding 150 meters (492 feet).
Tower Height: Often exceeding 100 meters (328 feet).
What supplies needed to build wind turbines?
Steel
Concrete
Fibreglass
Cooper
Rare-earth magnets, such as neodymium-iron-boron magnets
Now, let's look at how the key materials for wind turbines are made and what is their impact on environment.
The main material in wind turbines is steel. It is created by extracting iron from ore, alloying it to create steel, shaping the steel into various forms, and using these steel components to construct the vital parts of wind turbines.
Obtaining the raw Materials: iron ore and coke
The process begins with the collection of iron ore, which is a rock containing iron. Coke, a type of coal that has been processed to remove impurities, is another important material. These materials are essential in the production of steel.Iron production in a blast furnace
A blast furnace is where the iron-making process begins. A mixture of iron ore, coke and limestone is heated to extremely high temperatures in the furnace. As a result of the iron ore reacting with the carbon in the coke, molten iron and carbon dioxide gas are produced.Steel alloying
Molten iron is not yet steel. Specific alloys are added to turn it into steel. These alloys may contain elements such as manganese, chromium, nickel, and others. These alloying elements give steel its desired properties, such as strength and corrosion resistance.Refining and Removing Impurities
The molten iron from the blast furnace contains impurities such as sulphur and phosphorus. These impurities must be removed in order to produce high-quality steel. These impurities are removed using various refining processes.Continuous Casting
After the iron has been transformed into steel and its composition has been refined, the molten steel is poured into moulds in a process known as continuous casting. This results in the formation of large metal bars, also known as "billets."Hot Rolling
Hot rolling involves heating the billets and passing them through a series of rollers in a hot rolling mill. This process forms the steel into various shapes, such as sheets, plates, and bars, which will be used to make wind turbine components.
What are the environmental consequences of steel production?
The energy-intensive processes and emissions involved in the production of steel can have a significant negative impact on the environment. The following are a few environmental issues connected to the production of steel:
CO2 Emissions
Steel production is a significant source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The main way of producing steel involves converting iron ore and coal into crude iron in a blast furnace, which emits CO2 as a byproduct.Air Pollution
Steel production can emit pollutants into the atmosphere such as sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particles. These pollutants can cause smog, acid rain, and respiratory problems in nearby communities.Deforestation and Habitat Destruction
Extraction of raw materials for steel production, such as iron ore and coal, can result in deforestation, habitat destruction, and ecosystem disruption in mining areas.Water Use and Pollution
Steel production necessitates a large amount of water for cooling and processing. The discharge of polluted wastewater from steel mills can pollute water and harm aquatic ecosystems.Energy Consumption
Steel production consumes a lot of energy, especially in traditional processes like blast furnaces. The high energy demand contributes to the depletion of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions.
Let's take a look at the other materials now
I. Copper is also an important component of wind turbines. It is distributed via a complicated supply chain that includes mining, processing, refining, manufacturing, transportation, and distribution. It is important in many industries because of its excellent conductivity, corrosion resistance, and other desirable properties. The cooper delivery process was explained in my article about solar power. Take a look.
II. Rare-earth magnets, also known as neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets, are essential parts of wind turbines. Making neodymium-iron-boron magnets for wind turbines involves a number of steps, including melting, alloying, producing powder, pressing, sintering, machining, coating, and magnetization, before they are finally integrated into the generator.
I've already described how iron is delivered, but what about boron and neodymium?
1.Neodymium is a rare-earth element. The extraction of neodymium, like the extraction of many other natural resources, can have environmental consequences that must be carefully managed and mitigated. Here are some of the potential environmental consequences of neodymium extraction:
Mining Practices
Traditional mining methods, particularly open-pit mining, can result in habitat destruction, soil erosion, and ecosystem disruption. Mining activities can also cause dust and pollutants to be released into the air and water.
Water Contamination
Water is commonly used in mining processes to separate minerals from ore. This water may become contaminated by chemicals used in the extraction process or naturally occurring ore substances. This contaminated water, if not properly managed, can harm aquatic ecosystems and local communities.
Energy Consumption
Neodymium extraction requires energy for processes such as crushing, grinding, and separation. It comes from non-renewable sources.Chemical Pollution
Acids and solvents used in neodymium extraction can be toxic if not handled and disposed of properly. Improper disposal can pollute the soil and water.
Waste Generation
The extraction process generates waste materials such as tailings (ore processing residue) and slag (smelting residue). These waste materials, if not properly managed, can pollute the land and water.
Deforestation
Mining operations can cause deforestation in some cases because land is cleared for mining activities and infrastructure.
🧐 China is the world's leading producer of neodymium. It has extensive neodymium deposits and produces the majority of the world's supply.
III. Boron is an element that occurs naturally in a variety of minerals and compounds. It is obtained through mining and extraction.
Habitat Disruption
Mining activities can result in habitat destruction, soil erosion, and ecosystem disruption. Open-pit mining, in particular, can have a significant impact on the landscape.Water Contamination
Water is commonly used in mining processes to extract minerals from ores. This water may become contaminated by chemicals used in the extraction process or naturally occurring ore substances. This contaminated water, if not properly managed, can harm aquatic ecosystems and local communities.Energy Consumption
Boron extraction necessitates the use of energy in processes such as crushing, grinding, and separation.It is derived from nonrenewable resources.
Chemical Pollution
Acids and solvents used in boron extraction can be toxic if not handled and disposed of properly. Improper disposal can pollute the soil and water.Waste Generation
The extraction process generates waste materials such as tailings (ore processing residue) and slag (smelting residue). These waste materials, if not properly managed, can pollute the land and water.
Wind farms have an impact on wildlife.
Bird and Bat Collisions
One of the most serious concerns is the possibility of bird and bat collisions with turbine blades. Raptors and bats, which fly at turbine height, are particularly vulnerable.Habitat Disruption
Wind farm construction can disrupt habitat by clearing land and altering local ecosystems. Species that rely on particular habitats may suffer.Barriers to Movement
Wind farms can obstruct wildlife movement, especially for species that must cross open areas or follow specific migratory routes.Noise and Disturbance
Turbine noise and construction activities can be disruptive to wildlife, particularly species that are sensitive to human interference. Vibrations can have an impact on crops, especially if they are strong or prolonged. They have the potential to disrupt cellular processes and cause physiological imbalances in plants.Light Pollution
Wind turbine lighting can attract insects and potentially influence nocturnal wildlife behaviour.Shadow Flicker
Shadow flicker is a phenomenon caused by the moving shadows of turbine blades. While this is an annoyance for humans, it may also have an impact on wildlife, particularly near turbines.Electromagnetic Fields
According to some studies, the electromagnetic fields generated by wind turbine electrical systems may have an impact on certain species.
🔴 Wind turbine fatalities have been a source of concern and investigation, particularly for large-scale wind farms.
Video in the tweet
https://twitter.com/Lewis_Brackpool/status/1572896715891679233
Wind energy efficiency
On average, the total energy required to manufacture a large onshore wind turbine (between 2 and 3 MW) can range between 200,000,000 and 400,000,000 kWh. This estimate takes into account the energy required to produce materials like steel, copper, and composites, as well as the energy used in manufacturing processes, transportation, and assembly. In an area with moderate wind conditions, an onshore wind turbine could produce between 4,000,000 and 6,000,000 kWh per year. It takes between 30 and 100 years to produce the energy used in its production. Wind turbines are designed to last between 20 and 25 years.
This means that wind turbines cannot even generate the energy required for their own creation during their operational lifespan.
Wind turbines require external power to begin operation as well.
Wind turbines have a capacity factor of 20% to 40%, which means they generate 20% to 40% of their rated capacity on average over a year.
Wind turbine capacity factor is quite low when compared to other energy sources.
Nuclear Power - 90% to 95%
Geothermal Power - 70% to 90%
Biomass Power - 70%
Coal Power - 50% to 70%
Natural Gas Power - 30% to 60%
Hydropower - 30% - 50%
Only solar power has a lower capacity factor- 15% to 25%
🧐 Check out this video of German wind turbines doing nothing. Take note of how much land is taken. What effect does this have on environment?
https://twitter.com/peterktodd/status/1572517713305817089
🔴 A video shared on Twitter calls into question the safety of wind turbines. Wind gusts caused a wind turbine to fall into a rapeseed field.
https://twitter.com/sjw_baro/status/1688872811392094208
While wind turbine fires are rare, the height and location of the turbines, as well as the potential for the fire to spread if not properly controlled, can make firefighting difficult.
Extra read
Unfurling The Waste Problem Caused By Wind Energy
"The blades are kind of a dud because they have no value," he said.
Decommissioned blades are also notoriously difficult and expensive to transport. They can be anywhere from 100 to 300 feet long and need to be cut up onsite before getting trucked away on specialized equipment — which costs money — to the landfill.
Once there, Van Vleet said, the size of the blades can put landfills in a tough spot.
"If you're a small utility or municipality and all of a sudden hundreds of blades start coming to your landfill, you don't want to use up your capacity for your local municipal trash for wind turbine blades," he said, adding that permits for more landfill space add another layer of expenses.
https://www.npr.org/2019/09/10/759376113/unfurling-the-waste-problem-caused-by-wind-energy
Wind Turbine Blades Can’t Be Recycled, So They’re Piling Up in Landfills
A wind turbine’s blades can be longer than a Boeing 747 wing, so at the end of their lifespan they can’t just be hauled away. First, you need to saw through the lissome fiberglass using a diamond-encrusted industrial saw to create three pieces small enough to be strapped to a tractor-trailer.
The municipal landfill in Casper, Wyoming, is the final resting place of 870 blades whose days making renewable energy have come to end. The severed fragments look like bleached whale bones nestled against one another. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2020-02-05/wind-turbine-blades-can-t-be-recycled-so-they-re-piling-up-in-landfills
The expansion of wind turbines could result in the extinction of the golden eagle in the western United States, where its population is at an unsustainably low level.
Any additional mortalities to the golden eagle threatens the species with extinction, scientists with US Fish and Wildlife warned 10 years ago, before the last decade’s massive expansion of wind farms.
For decades the wind industry has put out a steady stream of grossly misleading information about its wildlife impact. It continues to claim that the impact of wind turbines is relatively low, and compares the bird deaths it causes to those of housecats, or buildings. https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelshellenberger/2019/06/26/why-wind-turbines-threaten-endangered-species-with-extinction/
How Big Is The Concrete Foundation For A Wind Turbine?
Wind Energy's Impact on Wildlife Conservation
http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2017/ph240/skolds2/
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