Developing Wind Power Projects

By Tore Wizelius
Softcover, 296 pages, 2007. Earthscan Publications Ltd., publisher.

As a general, introductory guide to the massive undertaking that is developing wind power projects, this book is thorough and accessible. This is not a book aimed at engineers. Instead, it is a concise narrative checklist, covering the basic steps one needs to consider in developing wind power generally -- especially social impacts, government regulation, effective siting, and economics -- though the focus is on the European market. Points are illustrated with ample photos and illustrations. There is also a very digestible explanation of the technology. While no one book can prepare a reader for the enormous complexity of the business of developing wind projects, this book is a good starting point.

Table of Contents:

Part I: Introduction to Windpower

* Windpower Today and in the Future
* Historical Background
* Development of a Modern Windpower Industry

Part II: Wind Energy

* The Wind
* The Power of Wind
* Energy Transformation

Part III: Technology

* Types of Wind Turbines
* The Rotor
* Nacelle, Tower and Foundation
* Electrical and Control system
* Overall Efficiency

Part IV: Windpower and Society

* Windpower in Society
* Environment - Benefit and Impact
* Windpower Planning
* Opinion and Acceptance
* Windpower in the Electric Power System

Part V: Windpower Project Development

* Siting
* Economics
* Project Development

Glossary