Could someone please tell me what is meant when people say that wind energy can be expensive or more expensive than fossil fuels?
Wind energy is not available at all times, so one still has to build conventional power plants to supply power. Both have to be paid for.
Wind is available in selected areas, and due to geography, these areas are not where cities are built. Thus, long transmission lines have to be build and maintained. This adds greatly to power cost.
We can find that there are three topics that may generate high costs, which can make inefficient use of large-scale wind energy:
- The purchase and set-up of wind turbines can be expensive
- Wind turbines require certain constant speeds to be productive
- Wind farms can't sustain constant power due to daily and seasonal variance in wind
When people say that wind energy can be expensive or more expensive than fossil fuels, they are generally comparing the cost of generating electricity from wind turbines to the cost of generating electricity from fossil fuel power plants, such as those that burn coal, natural gas, or oil.
The cost of wind energy can vary depending on several factors, including the initial capital investment, maintenance, and operation costs. Here's how you can get more specific information on the cost of wind energy compared to fossil fuels:
1. Research electricity generation costs: Look for studies or reports that compare the costs of generating electricity from different energy sources. These reports often provide detailed information on the costs associated with wind energy and fossil fuel-based power generation.
2. Consider capital costs: A significant portion of the expense of wind energy comes from the upfront investment in wind turbines and related infrastructure. Research the costs of manufacturing, installing, and maintaining wind turbines, as well as any government subsidies or incentives available. Similarly, look into the cost of building and operating fossil fuel power plants.
3. Compare ongoing expenses: Wind energy has relatively low ongoing operational costs, as it relies on a free and abundant resource, the wind. However, fossil fuel power plants require a continuous supply of fuel, which can be costly. Investigate the prices of coal, natural gas, and oil, taking into account fluctuations in global markets. Additionally, factor in maintenance and repair costs for both wind turbines and fossil fuel power plants.
4. Analyze subsidies and incentives: Governments often provide financial support and incentives to promote renewable energy sources like wind power. Research the subsidies, tax credits, or feed-in tariffs that are available for wind energy projects in your country or region. Similarly, investigate any subsidies or tax breaks provided to the fossil fuel industry.
5. Consider external factors: Don't forget to take into account any external costs associated with fossil fuel generation, such as environmental impacts and health effects. The costs of air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change can have long-term consequences that are not initially factored into the price of electricity generated from fossil fuels.
By conducting thorough research and comparing the relevant factors, you can gain a better understanding of why wind energy might be considered expensive when compared to fossil fuels.