The sun heats our atmosphere unevenly, therefore some parts of the atmosphere become warmer than others. These warmer patches of air rise and other air blows in to replace them – this is the production of wind. The energy in the wind can be utilised by building a tall tower with a large propeller on the top.

The wind spins the blades, which then turn a shaft that is connected to a generator. This process produces electricity. The faster the wind blows, the more electricity is generated. In fact, when the wind speed doubles, up to eight times more electricity is generated. However if the wind is too strong, turbines will shut themselves down to prevent being damaged.

The ability of a wind turbine to generate the maximum amount of power, depends on the amount and speed of the wind. Wind farms are carefully planned to make sure they are located in areas that have a reliable amount of wind all year round. This tends to be on the summit of a hilltop which is surrounded by open space, and in coastal offshore locations.