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Renewable energy, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat, is the type of energy that can naturally replenish on a human timescale. Renewable energy can replace conventional fossil fuels in several distinct areas and can eliminate the need for fossil fuels. This book presents current research on the developments, potential and challenges of wind energy. The first chapter provides research on potential wind sites, the impacts of wind installation, and thermo economic modeling. The following chapter makes a comparative study of the dynamic behavior of an aero-generator with a double fed induction generator (DFIG) connected to the grid through two controller techniques: SMC and PI Controller. Chapter three discusses the policy and promotion strategy of wind energy developments between Taiwan and Japan. Chapter four looks at the current status of wind power in South Africa, prospects for growth in integrating wind energy in the South African grid and discusses possible challenges that may arise due to high penetration of wind power and outline some possible solutions. The last chapter provides an inventory of challenges for the deployment of wind energy in a 2030 timeframe in the EU.

Large-scale electricity production using wind generators began attracting attention in the United States in the 1970s due to the energy crises initiated by oil embargoes. The first wind plants began to be installed in 1980, stimulated by aggressive policy provisions. Although some of these first installations were under-designed and did not survive the early years of operations, some of the best technology continues to operate, some 30 years later, producing electricity as part of profitable commercial businesses. As wind power facilities age, project owners are faced with plant end-of-life decisions. This book is intended to inform policymakers and the business community regarding the history, opportunities, and challenges associated with plant end of life actions, in particular, repowering. Specifically, the report details the history of repowering, examines the plant age at which repowering becomes financially attractive, and estimates the incremental market investment and supply chain demand that might result from future U.S. repowering activities.