Wind
energy comes from the conversion of approximately 1-2% of solar
radiation energy reaching Earth in the time of 1 second into kinetic
energy of air currents that has the power of 1000-2000 TW. More and
more wind power plants are being constructed. The most powerful wind
turbines generate the power of a few megawatts, but units of
200-400kw are the most economical. The useful wind speed is 3-15
m/s.
In Poland, yearly average wind speed is 3,4 m/s, but on
the Baltic coast at the height of 20 m it is 5-6 m/s. The regional
differences in wind energy resources are large. At 75% of the
country’s area the useful wind speed can be expected for 40% of the
year’s time, but only 35% of the area meets the economic
feasibility criteria for industrialized wind energy production.
More
information about wind power industry in Poland can be found at
www.elektrownie-wiatrowe.org.pl