Technology and Status of Developments in Harnessing the World's Untapped Wind-Power Resources

• Published in: Electric power components and systems 2004-03, Vol.32 (3), p.309-336
• Main Author: HAMMONS, T. J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: assessing wind resources; harnessing wind power; siting wind energy projects; wind energy in America; wind energy in India; wind power development in France; wind power in Italy; wind resource in China
• ISSN: 1532-5008; 1532-5016
• DOI: 10.1080/15325000490208227

This paper presents the views of renowned international authorities on technology and status of developments in harnessing untapped wind-power worldwide. Technology costs have come down hugely and wind is now knocking at the door of coal, nuclear and even gas as the least-cost energy source in developed countries. This paper discusses the latest technology, economics, and untapped resources, assessing the world's resources, and siting and output prediction for wind energy project planning. Here, an overview of wind resource assessment and mapping, data sets and analysis methods-surface data and data analysis methods, wind mapping systems-input data and wind-power calculations and mapping products, and wind mapping projects are among the topics considered. Wind-power developments in America, wind energy in India, the wind resource concession approach in China, and development of wind schemes in Italy and France are then examined. Views from the World Bank; The United Nations; International Consultants; France, India, Italy; and directly involved energy consultants including the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, US Department of Energy, and Enron Wind are presented.