Ethical SWOT Analysis: How To Do It Right

Strengths 

Wind is a naturally occurring and renewable resource; therefore, harvesting its power does not affect wind cycles. The harvest does not emit greenhouse gases into the ozone layer. Wind turbines harmlessly utilize the wind passing by to generate electricity. In addition, the wind is far more ecosystem-friendly for acquiring electricity than by burning fossil fuels imported from unreliable sources to generate electricity. While the strain on the supply of fossil fuels may lead nations' economies to market vulnerability, wind power can release the countries from the economic sabotage of fuels. When turbines and energy camps have been structured, the costs involved in generating wind power and maintenance of turbines are cheap. The flexibility in the location where turbines can be placed where necessary, like in areas of sufficient wind like offshores, ensures steady operations. Experts can place turbines in unpopulated areas where offshore winds usually blow harder and uniformly, thus providing a potential increase of electric current generated.

Weaknesses 

The major demerit associated with generating wind power is that constructing turbines and wind infrastructure is expensive. Wind energy from offshore produces a more consistent supply than onshore but is very costly to establish. Technology inventions and innovations are required to reduce the costs, increase the reliability of the source of power, manufacture facilities, and solve environmental effects. Technological advancement must be quick to match the implementation of such programs.

Many individuals are worried about the visual effect of turbines on the beautiful scenery of nature. Giant turbines can deter views of the surroundings and can also be dangerous to wildlife. Birds and bats fly into the rotors calling for expert interventions. Installing the turbines in desolate areas far from people implies high costs of travel and maintenance. Offshore turbines require boats and can be complex to manage. At night, the incoming sea vessels may not see the wind turbines leading to collisions. Often, the gap caused by wind power projects is due to disparities in income and accessibility to energy from the windmills. People who far away do not support these projects since they do not benefit from employment, reduced emissions, and cleaner energy sources.

Opportunities 

The energy demand has surged due to the developments of worldwide economies. However, primary sources of energy are fossil fuels which have been predicted to be experience shortages and depletion in the future. Such situations have made lawmakers find alternative sources and be environmental-friendly. Wind energy is thus proposed as a better option due to its sustainability and ecosystem cleanliness.

Governments support the development of wind projects through favorable policies and regulations. The costs involved in generating wind power are reduced when governments chip in to facilitate the technical transition through local manufacturing of vital infrastructure. Foreign investments increase due to such projects, and locals get employment opportunities in manufacturing, operation, and project development (Irfan et al., 2019). Extensive research has shown that fossil fuels contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer; thus, many nations look for alternative energy sources that are ecosystem-friendly and sustainable.

Threats 

There is an imbalance in wind power resource distribution since some states have great wind potential with low energy demand while others have a high demand for wind power but have fewer resources. Inefficient and outdated turbines are a significant challenge to the success of windmill projects. Some places have sufficient equipment, yet they do not utilize them because of outdated turbines. Therefore, the importation of new and powerful turbines will be of great significance. In addition, insufficient fiscal and economic policies impedes the progress of the wind power industry (Irfan et al., 2020) . The projects are often accompanied by public opposition due to the gap it creates, and people outside the vicinity may not support the idea of windmill projects.

References 

Irfan, M., Hao, Y., Panjwani, M. K., Khan, D., Chandio, A. A., & Li, H. (2020, November). Competitive assessment of South Asia's wind power industry: SWOT analysis and value chain combined model. Energy Strategy Reviews, 32 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2020.100540

Irfan, M., Zhao, Z.-Y., Ahmad, M., & Mukeshimana, M. C. (2019, November). Critical factors influencing wind power industry: A diamond model-based study of India. Energy Reports, 5 , 1222-1235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2019.08.068