1. Wind Turbines for Renewable Energy (written by: Stephanie Holzkamp)In order to increase the distribution and treatment capacities of the Nyamabuye water treatment plant, additional energy production is essential. As a result, this team created plans for the potential implementation of renewable energy sources, as these sources have much less environmental impact and allow for the construction of modern energy sources now rather than trying to modernize non-renewable sources to limit their impact on the environment. later, as many modernized countries are currently experiencing. The wind turbines allow for a remote source of energy and can be sized and built depending on the amount of energy needed for the Nyamabuye wastewater treatment plant. Although wind energy may have many environmental and operational advantages, it also has disadvantages and challenges that could eliminate it from competition as a possible energy source. 1.1 Theory and overview of wind energy 1.1.1 Defining wind energy Wind energy is defined as “kinetic energy of wind harnessed for the production of electricity in wind turbines” (International Energy Agency, 2016) . When moving quickly, air has high kinetic energy which the turbine blades capture, which drives the rotor blades and, therefore, the shaft. The generator is then capable of transforming the rotational energy into usable electricity. Wind turbines strive to provide energy from a clean, free fuel source with little or no greenhouse gas emissions (Blaabjerg et al., 2004). Wind power could enable remote power generation with low operating costs for a location like the Nyamabuye Water Treatment Plant.1.1.2 Parts of a Wind TurbineThere are three main parts.... .. middle of paper ......, they are extremely reliable and are unlikely to have any problems. Studies conducted indicate that wind turbines are generally available to operate approximately 99% of the time. The less time the machine remains under repair, the more you save on investment. Therefore, wind turbines are good candidates for projects that rely heavily on a reliable source with few maintenance issues. One of the challenges this poses is that although maintenance may be less frequent, trying to resolve the maintenance issue could be more difficult due to the height and complexity of a wind turbine. However, the annual operating cost is not yet too high. For regular maintenance, insurance, parts and general operation, the cost is between $14/megawatt and $26/megawatt. There, the longevity and reliability of wind turbines as a source becomes evident (International Energy Agency, 2008).