20% Wind Energy by 2030?
A report just came out from the U.S. Department of Energy at 20percentwind.org called 20% Wind Energy by 2030: Increasing Wind Energy’s Contribution to U.S. Electricity Supply. As the name suggests the report lays out the feasibility of being able to achieve 20% of its energy from wind power! Under the 20% wind scenario, installations of new wind power capacity would increase to more than 16,000 megawatts per year by 2018, and continue at that rate through 2030. The U.S.
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The report identifies the problems with actually achieving 20% wind energy which includes transmission, siting, and manufacturing. However, the report gives solutions to overcome these road blocks while highlighting its potential to stave off global warming.
The American Wind Energy Association states: as of the end of 2006 the United States had an estimated 11,603 MW of wind energy generating per year. Even though this figure seems low, there have been improvements and gains over the years. However, wind energy only accounts for 0.7% of the U.S. energy mix. If the government helped stimulate the renewable energy market, imagine where we could be today.
We need to continue to press our elected officials to continue to secure our energy through renewable means. If we can elect a plan to achieve 20% by 2030, the United States will be recognized around the world as an environmental leader as opposed to its current backwards thinking. Lets create change, lets create jobs, lets help our country evolve.
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Hmmm, well, I agree very much with your sense of urgency, but prospects are actually a bit brighter than suggested here.
First, the U.S. does have more than 16,000 MW installed--we passed that level in 2007. We're at about 18,000 now.
Second, installed wind generating capacity in the U.S. tripled from 2001 to 2004 and then tripled again from 2004 to 2007, so if we can keep going, the 20% target is clearly within reach.
Most important: an extension of the federal tax incentive (the wind production tax credit). It's being considered in the House of Representatives right now. You can help push for it through powerofwind.org.
Regards,
Thomas O. Gray
American Wind Energy Association
www.powerofwind.org
www.awea.org
I think 20% by 2030 is a laudable--yet reasonable--goal for the United States. With focused, sustained investment on the part of big companies, such as BP, JPMorgan, and Credit Suisse, we are well on our way to making this goal a reality.
If you're interested in learning more about renewable energy finance and development, you should attend the Renewable Energy Finance Forum-Wall Street (www.REFFWallStreet.com), held June 18-19 in New York City. One of the official event sessions will feature representatives from GE, NordBank, and JPMorgan in a discussion about the future of the wind energy industry, as well as the economic and policy factors fueling growth and development.
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