How Do Wind Turbines Store Energy?

The use of wind power has been a huge part of society for centuries. 

How do wind turbines store wind energy? Where does the generated electricity go? How does wind energy get to the power grid? 

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the wind industry, Universal Technical Institute offers the 30-week Wind Turbine Technician program. At UTI, the training can help you gain the skills needed to install and service wind machinery.¹ 

Read more to learn about the different ways that wind turbines store energy. 

Wind Turbine Energy Storage Methodology

When electricity is generated from the wind, there are two places the energy from the wind turbine goes to. The first option would be to directly transmit the energy to a power grid that provides electricity to communities. Nowadays, that is the more common way wind energy is processed.

However, there is a second option, and that is to store the wind energy. There are a handful of different processes used for wind turbine energy storage. There is battery storage, compressed air storage, hydrogen fuel cells, and pumped storage. 

Read: How do wind turbines work? 

What Types of Energy Storage Systems are Used in Wind Turbines?

Wind power is an amazing source of renewable energy. But because the wind is not constant, the amount of power generated changes often based on the time of day and the seasons. This isn’t a negative factor because typically, we can generate a lot more electricity from wind than is demanded. 

Wind turbines on farms connected directly to an electrical power grid are modified to rotate slower so they don’t produce more energy than required. Other wind farms, though, can store the excess energy that is typically produced. It is possible to store that energy through these methods: 

Battery Storage: Electrical battery systems are an effective way to store wind-generated power. They offer flexibility and can be adjusted to meet the energy demands of a community. 

Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES): These systems use excess power to compress air and are stored in underground caverns or above-ground tanks. When more electricity needs to be produced, the compressed air is released, which causes the turbines to move and generate power. 

Pumped Storage: This energy storage system functions by using the energy produced when water released from a higher to a lower reservoir flows through turbines that generate electricity. When it comes time to produce more energy, the turbines spin backward as water is pumped back into the higher reservoir for storage until the entire process is repeated.

Wind Energy Storage Benefits

There are many benefits of storing excess energy derived from wind farms. The most obvious benefit is no wasted electricity, and harvesting wind energy can be even more efficient. Other benefits include: 

• Grid Stability: Energy storage systems help keep the power grid stable by smoothing out the ups and downs of wind power. They act like a cushion, storing extra energy when there's a lot of wind and releasing it when we need more power, or the wind isn't blowing as much. This way, we get a steady and reliable electricity supply, keeping the grid running smoothly.
• Cost Reduction: Prices for energy storage systems have slowly been becoming more affordable, making them a more budget-friendly choice for wind farms. As the cost of batteries and other parts keeps going down, it's becoming cheaper to use these systems. They're great for cutting down on electricity bills because they make the most of wind power, reduce the need to buy energy from outside, and help avoid those high electricity prices during peak times.
• Grid Flexibility: Energy storage systems help make the power grid more flexible by responding quickly and adjusting the energy supply on the fly. They can quickly ramp up, providing extra power when the wind suddenly picks up or when there's a sudden spike in how much electricity people need. This quick response is key to keeping the grid stable, cutting down on the need for old-school power plants to step in, and making it easier to mix wind energy into our power supply.

Why Do We Need Wind Turbine Technicians? 

A wind energy technician’s main role is to inspect and maintain the turbines to make sure they are up to standards and are working efficiently. Some qualities of wind turbine technicians include the ability to work at heights, physical strength, strong communication, problem-solving, and mechanical skills. 

Taking wind turbine courses such as Energy Industry Fundamentals and Safety Compliance, DC and AC Basic Electricity, and Wind Turbine Operation could be a benefit to anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in the wind industry. 

Read: How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician? 

Wind Industry Prospective Jobs

The demand for wind technicians is growing—employment is projected to grow 45% from 2022 to 2032.⁶³ In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), wind turbine service technicians are considered one of the fastest-growing occupations fastest-growing occupations. 

Just like with any industry, wind technician training program graduates are prepared for entry-level roles. Over time, technicians may be able to advance in a career with experience and hard work.⁷⁷ Jobs include:

Entry level:

• Wind turbine technician
• Installation technician
• Field service technician

Advanced:

• Troubleshooting technician
• LOTO I & II specialist
• Wind farm support specialist
• Research and development
• Electrical engineer
• Environmental engineer

• Materials engineer

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for wind power technicians in the United States was $57,320 in May 2022.⁶¹ This means half earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand, and cost of living in the area.

Want to Pursue a Career in the Wind Industry? 

Grow your knowledge and skills needed to become a wind turbine technician! Request more information to discover more about our campuses, programs, and the application process.

Ready to get started? Apply today! 

Campuses That Offer Wind Technician Training

• Canton, Michigan
• Houston, Texas
• Lisle, Illinois
• Rancho Cucamonga, California