Are windmills an effective solution?

Windmills have evolved significantly over the centuries, and their effectiveness as a solution varies depending on the context. Historically, windmills were used extensively for agricultural and industrial tasks, notably in the Netherlands for water management. As described by Gary Arndt, the Dutch utilized windmills to pump water from low-lying fields, preventing flooding and enabling agriculture in regions below sea level. These windmills were pivotal in maintaining productive land 1.

The production of electricity via windmills started in the late 19th century with Professor James Blyth, who used a windmill to power his cottage. However, it took several decades for wind-powered generation to become more mainstream, primarily due to the advancements in technology and changes in energy needs spurred by events such as the OPEC oil embargo of the 1970s 2.

Modern innovations have shown that the efficiency of windmills increases with their size due to the area covered by their blades. Larger windmills become more efficient and cost-effective, making them an increasingly viable solution for large-scale electricity generation 2. While early windmills had limitations in efficiency and application, today's technological advancements have made them a key component in the quest for sustainable energy sources.