Wind energy
We can efficiently use energy from the wind to create electricity, or wind energy. A wind farm is a collection of wind turbines that work together to generate electricity. This electricity is then transported into the grid or is stored in a large-scale battery.
How wind energy works
Wind energy is kinetic (motion) energy that rotates wind turbine blades, which are connected to an internal rotor. As the blades spin so does the rotor, creating mechanical energy that is converted into electricity.
Wind energy efficiency
Wind turbines have come a long way in terms of efficiency. Both the height and shape of the blades are designed to maximise the wind each turbine harnesses. Each modern turbine converts around 50% of the wind’s kinetic energy into electricity.
The cost of wind energy has on average been decreasing over recent years. Today, wind energy is one of the most affordable electricity sources, often rivalling or even undercutting fossil fuels.
Wind turbine design
Modern wind turbines are designed to be as quiet as possible. The average noise level of a wind turbine is around 40 to 50 decibels at around 500 metres. That’s quieter than a lawnmower and even a dishwasher.
Making wind turbines tall exposes them to more wind, which increases the amount of electricity they can produce.
Wind farms in Queensland
There are already several wind farms perched on hilltops across the state, including in the Darling Downs, South West Queensland, Far North Queensland and North Queensland regions with more on the way.
More information
- Learn about other renewable energy technologies that make up Queensland’s SuperGrid.
- Last updated:
- 22 April 2024