A NSW Government website

Wind


Wind is a form of solar energy caused by a combination of 3 concurrent events:close up of small scale farm wind turbine turning with blue sky

  1. The sun unevenly heating the atmosphere
  2. Irregularities of the earth's surface
  3. The rotation of the earth.

Wind generates energy by turning the blades of a wind turbine, which turns a generator that creates power. Wind power, like solar energy, is an intermittent form of renewable energy that can be "firmed" with energy storage technologies.

Prior to investment and the selection of wind technology, it is essential to obtain objective data (in the form of existing wind maps and other resources) regarding the strength, direction and reliability of winds on and around your farm. Wind maps are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.