Wind energy: a lucrative horizon

Wind energy, standing out among the most promising renewable sources, has been used since ancient times. Today, this sector offers attractive business opportunities as well as unparalleled challenges.

According to the Boston Consulting Group, by 2030, onshore wind will account for 8% of global energy production, while offshore wind will contribute an additional 3%.

On the other hand, Bloomberg New Energy Finance expects that, for the same year, the installed capacity of offshore wind energy will reach 205 GW, translating into investments of about $400 billion during the 2020s.

Wind Energy Production

Wind energy originates when the kinetic energy of the wind is transformed into electrical energy through wind turbines. These turbines, driven by the wind, convert this movement into electricity. Modern turbines are mainly categorized into two types: with a horizontal axis (commonly seen and comparable to large fans) and with a vertical axis.

In simple terms, turbine blades are moved by the wind, spinning a rotor. This rotor, through gears, drives a generator that produces electricity.

Entrepreneurship in the Wind Energy Sector

The vast potential of wind energy represents a great opportunity for visionary entrepreneurs. However, succeeding here requires not only technical knowledge, but also consolidated experience in financial and organizational management.

In 2020, developing a wind farm in Europe cost, on average, between $1,400 and $1,600 per kW installed. For example, building a 2.5 MW turbine could incur costs of between $3.5 million and $4 million.

In organizational terms, the wind energy sector is structured in areas such as:

• Development and Planning: Localizing sites, obtaining permits and environmental assessments.

• Engineering and Construction: Technical design, acquisition of equipment and construction.

• Operations and Maintenance: Supervision, maintenance and repairs.

• Finance and Administration: Financial management and administrative tasks.

Financial Structure and Strategies

Innovation in wind energy requires sound financial strategies. Beyond traditional loans, entrepreneurs could diversify with:

• Credits and grants: Some governments encourage wind power production with tax benefits.

• Partner investors: Entities or individuals willing to invest in exchange for shares.

• Crowdfunding: Platforms such as Kickstarter, although less common in this sector, may be an option.

Completing in the wind energy sector requires not only passion and vision, but also a meticulous attention to numbers, structures and organization. Equipped with the right knowledge, entrepreneurs can confidently conquer this exciting market

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