Comments on The Environmental Blog: 20% Wind Energy by 2030?

I think 20% by 2030 is a laudable--yet reasonable-...

2008-05-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

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.

Hmmm, well, I agree very much with your sense of u...

2008-05-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

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