Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. Any object in motion—like a rolling ball, a flying airplane, or even the blades of a wind turbine—has kinetic energy. Wind turbines take advantage of this energy by capturing the motion of the wind and turning it into electricity.

How Wind Turbines Work

Diagram showing how electricity is generated from wind energy and delivered to a home. On the left, multiple wind turbines are situated on a green hillside labeled as '1'. A close-up of a wind turbine's internal mechanism, labeled '2,' highlights components such as the generator and rotor. On the right, electricity flows through an inverter and meter (labeled '3') to power a house with lights, appliances, and a rooftop solar panel.
  1. Blades Catch the Wind: The large blades of a wind turbine are shaped to “catch” the wind. When the wind blows, it pushes against the blades, causing them to spin. This spinning is the turbine harnessing kinetic energy. The faster the blades spin, the more kinetic energy!

  2. The Spinning Powers a Generator: The blades are connected to a shaft, which spins as the blades turn. The spinning shaft is connected to a generator, a machine that converts kinetic energy into electrical energy.

  3. Electricity Travels to Where It’s Needed: The generator produces electricity, which travels through cables to power homes, schools, and businesses.

THINK, PAIR, SHARE

Where have you seen wind turbines built? Why do you think this location was chosen?