In this article, we discussed onshore wind farms, the benefits, global deployment of onshore wind, economic impact of onshore wind, the challenges and the future.
Definition
An onshore wind farm contains of multiple wind turbines installed on land to capture wind energy and convert it into electricity. Unlike offshore wind farms (located in bodies of water), onshore turbines are typically placed in open fields, ridgelines, and agricultural areas where wind speeds are high and consistent.
Features of Onshore Wind Farms
Land-Based Location: Situated on land, typically far from the coast, to capture terrestrial wind currents.
Large-Scale Turbines: Composed of many individuals, high-power wind turbines designed to generate significant electrical energy.
Towers and Foundations: Turbines are mounted on tall towers fixed to foundations to place their blades at higher, more efficient wind speeds.
Rotors and Generators: Each turbine has a rotor (typically with three blades) to harvest wind energy, which is converted into electricity by a generator.
Grid Connection: Wind farms are connected to the national electric grid via a substation and transmission lines, allowing the generated power to be distributed.
Supporting Infrastructure: The site also includes access tracks for construction and maintenance, anemometer masts to measure wind, and support buildings.
Site Assessment: Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are conducted to evaluate the effects on landscape, identify sensitive habitats, avoid watercourses, and consider public rights of way.
Temporary Nature: Once the operational life of the wind farm is over, the structures can be removed, and the land can be returned to its original condition.
The Benefits of Onshore Wind Farms:
Environmental Benefits
Clean, Renewable Energy: Wind power is a low-carbon, inexhaustible energy source that helps combat climate change by reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants.
Improved Air Quality: By replacing fossil fuels, wind farms help improve local air quality and reduce air pollution in communities.
Biodiversity: Onshore wind farms can sometimes include areas of pollinator-friendly habitat, and their sites remain undisturbed for many years, which can help preserve habitats and ecosystems.
Cost-Effectiveness: Onshore wind is one of the least expensive forms of renewable energy, with low operational costs and relatively lower installation costs compared to offshore wind.
Local Job Creation: The development, operation, and maintenance of wind farms create numerous jobs for technicians, engineers, and other staff in the local region.
Economic Growth: Wind farms contribute to local economic growth, foster wealth creation, and can reduce dependence on imported energy.
Local Energy Production: Onshore wind farms generate energy closer to users, reducing transmission losses and providing more stable energy production.
Energy Security: By providing a local and inexhaustible energy source, onshore wind enhances energy security and reliability.
Community Engagement: Many wind projects offer financial incentives and benefits to the local communities where they are situated, strengthening the connection between residents and renewable energy.
Global Deployment of Onshore Wind:
Regional Expansion: While China remains the leader, there is substantial growth in other regions. Egypt and Saudi Arabia are driving a significant increase in installations in the Africa & Middle East region.
Policy-Driven Investment: Policy initiatives like the US’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the EU’s Plan are providing substantial funding and targets to accelerate wind power development.
Technological Advancement: Modern wind turbines are becoming more efficient, capable of capturing more energy from lower and more turbulent wind speeds, leading to higher capacity factors.
China: Led all countries in new installations.
USA: Followed China in new capacity additions.
Germany: Remained a top global installer of onshore wind.
India: Committed to ambitious renewable energy targets, increasing its wind capacity.
Brazil: Rounded out the top five for new installations and total capacity.
Economic Impact of Onshore Wind:
Positive Economic Impacts
Job Creation: Wind projects create employment in the supply chain, manufacturing, construction, and operation and maintenance.
Investment & Value-Added: Wind farms represent large capital investments, driving local economic activity through the purchase of local goods and services.
Tax Revenue: Wind projects generate significant revenue through local taxes and payments to Exchequer.
Community Benefits: Funds are often set aside for community benefit, directly supporting local projects and initiatives.
Economic Recovery: Wind energy can play a crucial role in economic recovery and growth, particularly in promoting a “green” economic future.
Economic Factors
Project-Specific Impacts: The exact economic benefits vary depending on project size, local ownership, and the extent to which goods and services are sourced locally.
Good Business Sense: Developers often prefer local procurement to reduce costs associated with transportation, which benefits the local economy.
Cost Competitiveness: The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for onshore wind is competitive and expected to decline further, making it a cost-effective energy source.
The Challenges of Onshore Wind:
Planning and Permitting Challenges
Complex & Lengthy Processes: Acquiring land rights and navigating regulatory hurdles can take years, with complex planning requirements often causing significant delays.
Public Opposition: Concerns from local communities about the visual impact, shadow flicker, and noise from turbines can hinder project development.
Environmental & Wildlife Concerns: Potential impacts on wildlife, such as bird mortality, and the protection of endangered species’ habitats are significant factors that can delay or prevent construction.
Economic and Technical Challenges
Rising Costs: Increases in the price of turbines, balance of plant equipment, and construction have impacted the viability of onshore wind projects and increased costs of capital.
Grid Connection Issues: Ideal onshore wind sites are often remote, requiring expensive and extensive infrastructure upgrades to connect to the existing electricity grid, and connection offers can be dated.
Site Availability: Favorable sites are often limited or already developed, with legal restrictions and local regulations limiting where new wind farms can be built.
Intermittent Nature: Wind power is a resource, and difficulties in forecasting and the absence of reliable storage solutions create challenges for system operation and planning.
Financing: High upfront capital costs and the challenging economic environment, including higher costs of capital, can make it difficult to access funding and ensure project financial viability.
Regulatory Uncertainty: A lack of regulatory transparency can deter investment and increase project attrition rates.
The Future of Onshore Wind:
As countries aim for net-zero emissions by mid-century, onshore wind will play a central role in decarbonizing electricity and electrifying other sectors (e.g., transport, heating, industry).
AI and Automation
Predictive maintenance, AI-driven grid balancing, and automated inspections (e.g., drones) will enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs.
Wind + Storage + Solar
Hybrid renewable energy systems, especially in microgrids and remote areas, will increase reliability and expand wind’s utility beyond large grids.
Declining LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy)
Wind’s LCOE continues to fall, making it more competitive with fossil fuels—even without subsidies.
Conclusion
Onshore wind farms represent one of the most promising pathways toward a low-carbon, energy-secure future. They offer a compelling combination of economic viability, environmental sustainability, and energy independence.