August 11th, 2009
Wind energy: recession proof?
2008 was another record year for increased use of wind energy to generate electricity in the U.S. For the fourth straight year the U.S. led the planet in adding new wind energy generation capacity. That was before any stimulus plan. It was certainly boosted by 2008’s rising oil and coal prices.
Despite the hefty growth last year, wind still only produces 2% of U.S. electricity. Coal continues to be the #1 source.
Expectations are that American wind generation projects will be curtailed by the economic situation, but even with lower fossil fuel costs, wind remains a competitive way to generate electricity. Wholesale costs indicate wind is cheaper than traditional generation methods in the U.S. In 2004 only General Electric was making utility-scale wind turbines inthe U.S. now they’ve been joined by four competitors, making Amrerica the hottest competitive wind market in the world. Texas, despite all its oil, is the number wind-power generator among the states.
Here you can find the entire wind energy report from Lawrence Berkeley Lab.
A newsman since 1969, Harry Fuller has worked for CBS, ABC, CNBC Europe, CNET and was founding news director at TechTV. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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