Utilizing Wind Energy in Agriculture, A Clean and Profitable Option

The use of wind energy has become an essential tool for farmers in the agricultural sector. It is proving to be a reliable, sustainable, and clean energy source that benefits agriculture in various ways. In this, we will explore the key areas of wind energy use in agriculture and see how it can improve the economic situation of farmers. Wind turbines operate on a simple principle, using air to generate electricity instead of using electricity to create air, as in the case of fans. Wind turbines use the wind to rotate rotor blades, similar to propellers, which then turn a generator to produce electricity. Human beings harness this airflow, or kinetic energy, for various purposes such as sailing, flying kites, and even generating electricity.

Pawan Urja describes the process by which wind is utilized to generate mechanical power or electricity. This mechanical power can be used for specific tasks, such as milling grains or pumping water, or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity. A wind turbine converts wind energy into electricity by using the aerodynamic force from rotor blades, much like the blades of an airplane or helicopter rotor. When air flows past the blades, it reduces air pressure on one side of the blade, causing the rotor to turn. This rotation generates electricity through the generator's rotation.

Applications of Wind Energy:

The size of land-based wind turbines ranges from 100 kilowatts to several megawatts. Large wind turbines are cost-effective and are grouped together in wind farms that supply bulk electricity to the power grid. Offshore wind turbines are even taller and surpass the Statue of Liberty in height. They are capable of capturing powerful offshore winds and producing energy in large quantities. Several smaller wind turbines, below 100 kilowatts, are commonly used for residential, agricultural, and small commercial and industrial applications.

CO2 Emissions from Various Energy Sources:

When considering CO2 emissions, it is best to examine the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions, showing all CO2 emissions throughout the entire technological life cycle. From construction and manufacturing to operation and maintenance activities, to plant decommissioning. Note that during wind power generation, no CO2 is emitted into the environment. Generally, life cycle greenhouse gas emissions from renewable sources are significantly lower compared to emissions from natural gas and coal. Wind energy produces approximately 11 grams of CO2 per kilowatt-hour (g CO2/kWh) of electricity generated, while coal produces about 980 g CO2/kWh, and natural gas produces around 465 g CO2/kWh. This makes the carbon footprint of coal nearly 90 times larger than that of wind energy, and natural gas more than 40 times larger.

Impact of Air Pollutants on Public Health:

During the combustion of biomass for electricity production, air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are released into the atmosphere. These gases often react to form particulate matter, smog, ground-level ozone, and acidic rain at the local level. In turn, these resulting pollutants can have adverse effects on health, including asthma, bronchitis, lower and upper respiratory symptoms, and cardiovascular events.

Benefits of Wind Energy:

Wind energy is a clean, domestic renewable energy source that provides numerous benefits, making it one of the fastest-growing energy sources globally. Wind energy projects offer various economic benefits to local communities: jobs, revenue as payment for land use for farmers and livestock keepers, and increased local tax base. Wind energy helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. Using wind energy is suitable for the environment, as it does not emit pollutants into the atmosphere and is entirely clean. At the atmospheric level, wind energy is a sustainable source that integrates well with local products in the international market. Wind energy projects can bring more economic benefits to farmers, improving their financial situation.

Major Uses of Wind Energy: The primary use of wind energy is in electricity production. Energy produced through windmills is converted into electricity through a generator, which is then used in fields, villages, and other agriculture-related areas. Wind energy can be used in agriculture for irrigation purposes. Solar pumping systems around windmills can assist in extracting water from water sources, benefiting the fields. Wind energy can also be used for purposes other than electricity. It can be used in areas separate from electricity, such as grain milling machines, water pumping systems, and other machinery. The use of wind energy results in reduced emissions in the atmosphere in villages and agricultural areas, keeping the local atmosphere healthy.

Conclusion: The use of wind energy emerges as a specialized and sustainable energy source for farmers in agriculture. This option provides farmers with stability, cleanliness, and an economic support, assisting them in making their agricultural fields sustainable, growing, and secure.