Wind — a force of nature driven by the sun, the resulting imbalances of pressure and temperature differences across our planet. Wind is nature’s attempt to equalize the Earth’s weather systems, and it is a force to be reckoned with.
The Sultanate of Oman celebrated Global Wind Day on June 15, and this is a chance to appreciate the potential this powerful phenomenon has had; allowing us to harness it as a source of clean energy, and the critical role it has played in supporting our global shift to sustainable green energy.
The potential of wind has long been recognised as a force of energy, from propelling boats along the Nile River as early as 5000 BC, to powering grain mills and water pumps by the Persians from 500 AD. And the technology has always been simple; turbine blades turning the wind’s kinetic energy and then into electricity with the help of a generator. And we’ve come a long way from the first wind turbine used to power electricity built in 1887, Scotland, with advances in aerodynamics, materials, science and control systems collectively contributing to the increasing energy conversion efficiency of wind turbines. Today, onshore wind is a developed technology, present in over 115 countries around the world.
China is the leader of wind energy, having installed a capacity over 221 Gigawatts (GW) — over a third of the world's capacity! It is also home to the world’s largest onshore wind farm with a capacity of an incredible 7,965 megawatt (MW). These numbers are always increasing with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Today, as Oman celebrates its progress in renewable energy with its ongoing efforts to unlock the potential of wind energy, we take a look at its plans towards wind energy projects. With over $1bn in investments towards 5 wind-based power projects at key locations across the country, estimated to generate a capacity of over 1GW, Oman is well on its way towards achieving its Vision2040 goals of cleaner energy.
These projects are intended to be in operation by 2027. The biggest is planned for development in Mahout (known for its high winds — and the first project of its kind in this area) estimated to generate a capacity of over 342 MW. Other areas include Duqm, Ras Madrakah, and Sadah and Dhofar.
This Global Wind Day is a chance to celebrate not only the historical significance and technological advancements of wind energy, but also its crucial role in our future. As countries worldwide invest heavily in wind energy, we move closer to achieving global sustainability goals. Let us reaffirm our commitment to harnessing this powerful, clean energy source to ensure a greener and more sustainable future for all.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here