Onshore wind power: a fast-growing renewable energy source

Onshore wind power is a fast-growing form of renewable energy, harnessing the power of the wind to generate electricity. In France, onshore wind represents a significant part of the energy mix, and the sector is growing rapidly. This article presents an overview of onshore wind power in France, covering its operation, development, challenges and future prospects.

How onshore wind power works

Onshore wind turbines are installations that convert the wind’s kinetic energy into electricity. They consist mainly of a mast, a nacelle and blades. The blades capture the wind, driving a rotor which, in turn, turns an electrical generator located in the nacelle. The electricity generated is fed into the grid. Onshore wind turbines generally operate with a minimum wind speed of 3 to 4 m/s, and reach their rated output at around 12 to 15 m/s. For safety reasons, they shut down automatically when the wind exceeds 25 m/s. Their maximum power depends essentially on the length of the blades.

To optimize electricity production, onshore wind turbines are equipped with control systems that adjust the orientation of the blades and the direction of the nacelle according to wind speed and direction. In addition, wind turbines are generally spaced at least 3 to 5 times their rotor diameter to avoid wind disturbances between them and maximize their energy yield.

Development of onshore wind power in France

Onshore wind power is a booming sector in France. According to the French Ministry of Ecological Transition, installed wind power capacity in France reached 17.6 GW by the end of 2020, making wind power the second-largest source of renewable electricity after hydroelectricity. France’s objective is to reach 34.1 to 35.6 GW of onshore wind power capacity by 2028, in line with the Programmation Pluriannuelle de l’Énergie (PPE).

Several major players are contributing to the development of onshore wind power in France, including Engie, EDF and other renewable energy producers. These companies work closely with local communities and government authorities to plan and build new wind farms.

Vertical and horizontal axis onshore wind turbines

The main difference between HAWT(Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines) and VAWT(Vertical Axis Wind Turbines) onshore wind turbines is the orientation of their axis of rotation. HAWTs have a horizontal axis parallel to the ground and blades perpendicular to this axis, while VAWTs have a vertical axis perpendicular to the ground and blades that rotate around this axis.

HAWTs are currently the most widespread technology, due to their greater energy efficiency, their ability to capture wind at higher altitudes and their technological maturity. They are mainly used in large-scale wind farms, both onshore and offshore. VAWTs, on the other hand, have specific advantages for certain applications. Their design makes for easier installation and maintenance, as the generator and mechanical components are located close to the ground. What’s more, VAWTs are less sensitive to wind direction and can operate in areas with turbulent winds.

This makes VAWT turbines more suitable for small-scale applications, such as domestic wind power or installations in urban environments. However, they remain less common than HAWTs due to their lower energy yield and higher cost.

Key figures and surprising facts

Here are some key figures and surprising facts about onshore wind power in France:

1. In 2020, onshore wind accounted for around 7.2% of electricity production in France (source: RTE).
2. Onshore wind power avoided the emission of 12.5 million tonnes of CO2 in 2020 (source: FEE).
3. One onshore wind turbine can cover the electricity needs of an average of 2,300 households (source: Engie).
4. The availability rate of wind turbines in France is over 97% (source: FEE).
5. The lifetime of an onshore wind turbine is around 20 to 25 years (source: EDF).

Challenges and future prospects

Onshore wind power has considerable potential to contribute to the energy transition and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. However, to realize this potential, a number of challenges need to be met, and innovations in technology, regulation and grid integration are required.

1. Improving wind turbine performance : Technological advances such as lighter, stronger blade materials, more advanced control systems and more efficient generators will improve the performance of onshore wind turbines and reduce their costs.
2. Innovations in applications. Research into vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) could open up new possibilities for harnessing the wind, particularly in areas with low wind speeds or high turbulence. We are also considering the development offlying wind turbines, which would solve the problem of land use and most neighborhood disturbances, and ofbladeless wind turbines, which would also solve the environmental problem posed for birds.
3. Energy storage and intermittency management: The intermittency of wind power production poses challenges for balancing the electricity grid. The development of energy storage solutions, such as batteries or green hydrogen, and the integration of onshore wind power into more flexible, interconnected energy systems, are essential to manage this intermittency and ensure grid stability.
4. International cooperation and regulation: International cooperation is essential to share best practices, technological innovations and onshore wind policies. Clear and stable regulatory frameworks, financial support mechanisms and ambitious renewable energy targets are needed to encourage investment and accelerate onshore wind deployment.
5. Training and employment: The development of onshore wind power creates job opportunities in the construction, operation and maintenance of wind farms, as well as in research and development. It is important to train and educate a skilled workforce to support the sector’s growth and guarantee the safety and quality of installations.
6. Integration of renewable energies: Onshore wind power, combined with other renewable energy sources such as solar, hydropower and biomass, can help to further diversify the energy mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Smart, interconnected and resilient power grids are essential to effectively integrate these different energy sources and ensure a stable and sustainable electricity supply.