Is the answer blowing in the wind?

Wind power is the most rapidly growing technology for renewable power generation. However, fundamental differences exist between conventional thermal, hydro, and nuclear generation and wind power. These differences are reflected in the specific interaction of wind turbines with the power system. Further, there are differences between the various wind turbine types, which also affect their system interaction. In this article, first the current status and the technology of wind power are briefly discussed. The general working principles are explained and the different wind turbine types are described. Then, the differences between wind power and conventional power generation are highlighted as well as their consequences for interaction with the power system, both locally and on a system level.