People have been harnessing wind energy for centuries.
For hundreds of years mankind has been making use of the energy and power generated by wind. Whether it has been to travel the world, manufacture products, or in the modern age to generate electricity, wind has provided the means. And while there have been dozens of different methods over the years, new technology is still being invented to make even further use of this ancient power source.
Setting Sail
Wind energy was first harnessed on the Nile to power sail boats down the river. Since then, boats and ships have been modifying the design of sails to make even better use of the thrust provided by the wind.
Milling About
Windmills were one of the second most widespread uses of wind energy. The variety of uses that windmills were put to included grinding grain, as well as pumping water, up until the industrial revolution where the windmill was mostly replaced by the steam engine.
Modern Uses
The most common use of wind energy in the modern day is to generate electricity. Giant windmills, often built in fields called wind farms, provide a portion of the world's energy.
Benefits
Wind farming, sailing ships and other windmills all share a large number of similar benefits. The energy they produce is completely clean (pollutant free), comes from a renewable source and requires no fuel.
Drawbacks
The downside of wind powered sources, particularly in the modern age, is its cost. While wind generators can provide clean and renewable energy sources, they have to compete with other, cheaper energy producers such as fossil fuel plants and nuclear power facilities.
