In a wind power generation system, an energy consuming unit is connected to a DC part of a generator-side converter. A shunt circuit is connected between the generator-side converter and a rotor of an AC-excited power generator. In the event of system failure, the switching operation of the converter is stopped, the shunt circuit is put into operation, and the energy consuming unit is put into operation so that DC voltage (voltage of the DC part) is maintained within a prescribed range.