Wind energy via turbines has proven to be popular especially in the Northern Hemisphere where there is a large pressure gradient due to the proximity of the Artic ice shelf and have both disadvantages and advantages, some are as follows:
- The geographical location of countries in the Northern Hemisphere allow for large quantities of moving air which similarly to solar has zero cost at source.
- Installation of offshore platforms can be challenging.
- Mechanical and Electrical engineering requirements can be intensive.
- Lifespan of a Turbine is finite.
- Disruption to local wildlife has to be accepted.
High wind gradients apart from cyclones and tornadoes tend as previously mentioned to be in the Northern Hemisphere. Wind turbines must have the braking factor initiated when there is a strong wind gradient change such as is found in the tropical countries. One of the other factors that mitigate the use of wind power in the Southern Hemisphere is the cost implications. The high cost of wind turbines combined with the available funding of Southern Hemisphere countries tends to prevent the installation of turbines. Notable exceptions to this are turbine farms in South Africa and Australia.
