Wind energy thriving in US, but more help needed

Today the US wind energy industry is at a crucial juncture. The industry has been expanding rapidly in recent years, both in the amount of wind generating capacity installed and in the addition of manufacturing facilities. In fact, during 2008, the US became the leading producer of wind energy in the world, with a total of more than 25 000 MW installed. In that year alone, US companies opened, expanded or announced 55 new manufacturing facilities. Our challenge now is to continue to expand our use of wind energy and maintain our global leadership. By doing this we will contribute to our energy security, help the US economy by creating jobs, and reduce carbon emissions.

Reduced level of activity

For the first half of 2009, the US industry added just over 4000 MW of new capacity. But we are seeing reduced orders and lower level of activity in manufacturing of wind turbines and their components, a development that is troubling. The US industry was previously on track for much larger growth and the global wind power industry is continuing to expand. Maintaining a healthy growth curve will depend on the state of the US economy and the policies adopted by the Obama Administration and the US Congress.

Policy to help wind power

Some steps have already been taken. In economic stimulus legislation passed earlier this year, Congress included a number of key financial incentives for wind energy, including grants to replace the production tax credits for wind, and other grants for new or expanded manufacturing facilities. The federal government will soon begin paying out these incentives to companies. In Congress, the industry is pushing for a strong Renewable Electricity Standard (RES), which would require utilities to generate an increasing percentage of power using renewables such as wind energy. A strong RES is essential to give businesses the certainty they need to invest in factories in the US and create new jobs. There is an opportunity to reach 500 000 US jobs related to the wind industry, but a commitment from manufacturers and wind companies to add jobs requires a commitment from the US policymakers to domestic renewable energy.

US wind energy will continue to develop

We are also seeking new laws that address top transmission issues; planning, paying for, and siting new power lines that are needed to bring power generated by renewable energy to consumers. New transmission is critical, not only to develop our abundant renewable energy resources, but to upgrade and improve the reliability of the existing transmission system.

Until very recently, the US wind energy industry has been thriving, and with sound energy policies and a healthy economy, we will continue to grow and provide manufacturing jobs at home and investment opportunities to the global financial community

Author: Denise Bode, CEO, American Wind Energy Association.

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/drilling-and-production/30092009/wind_energy_thriving_in_us_but_more_help_needed/