“…investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and carbon capture, increased from US $34 billion in 2004 to $150 billion in both 2007 and 2008….it is projected to be $350 billion by 2020.” -AWEA Supply Chain Seminar I just arrived from Chicago after attending the American Wind Energy Association’s conference, Windpower.  Even as a rookie in trade show experiences, this one certainly stood out. The conference was incredible in both size and scope. It was pointedly obvious there is a reason more than 25,000 attendees were expected during the week of the show. Wind energy has been gaining interest in the minds of more Americans, thanks to the recent memory of high oil prices (despite the temporary price relief – which is temporary) and shifting political winds. It seems more and more realistic that wind turbines could be a serious player in providing energy resources – but how realistic?

Despite national shock from the price of ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act), a $350 billion projected investment in renewable energy is considerable. There are a number of big European players salivating at the chance to grow in the promising U.S. wind industry – including Acciona, Clipper, DeWind, Gamesa and Siemens, to name a few. Despite the big name players (GE Energy is currently the leader in capacity in the U.S.), a number of questions exist. Is this form of energy production viable for the United States? What’s all this talk about 20%? Can I have a wind farm in my backyard now? I’ll try to answer these questions, but it is a formidable task, dear reader. Is wind energy viable in the United States? Yes…but there are a number of things that people need to consider when thinking about wind energy. Some of the inherent issues include:

• Supply chain challenges – The European and U.S. wind turbine manufacturers want to source production of wind turbine components in the United States. Is this possible? These are large components and some manufacturers not used to serial manufacturing could struggle. It is strongly recommended that anybody interested in manufacturing components for wind turbines be ISO certified, do their research about the requirements, and get involved – join AWEA (www.AWEA.org) or a local wind industry organization. If they’re serious about wind, they’ll need to understand the high expectations of the manufacturers with whom they’ll be working to provide parts. Remember that many (but not all) of the components must be manufactured to specs similar to the aeronautical industry.

• Uncertain political commitment and investment possibilities –Will the NRES (National Renewable Energy Standards) be passed and be effective? What will be the true efficacy of ARRA renewable energy investment incentives? When will the global economic crisis cease – or retreat enough for serious investment in wind and other renewable resources? These questions have yet to be answered.

• Distribution, distribution, distribution! – Despite the ability to fire up your Mac laptop whenever you want so you can download Apps from the iTunes store, the electric distribution system in the United States is archaic, at best. Providing 20% of the nation’s electricity via wind power cannot occur on the current distribution network. Considerable investment in the current electric grid and uniform distribution standards must be in place.

While a number of challenges exist, there is hope. America offers fertile grounds (or wind) for this clean resource. The technology will continue to improve and offshore wind projects on the eastern seaboard will become a reality sometime before 2014, at the latest. This isn’t the first time that seemingly impossible odds have existed in the face of a new technology, service or product. Remember that in the early part of the 20th century, most major American cities used streetcars for all non-pedestrian traffic. Think about that next time you’re in a crawling, downtown traffic jam. What’s all this talk about 20%? If you’re genuinely interested in wind, please do some research. Great websites and plenty of information are available on the topic. I strongly recommend that you read the Department of Energy’s (DOE) report, 20% Wind Energy by 2030. It’s a sober assessment of the challenges and opportunities we face to shift 20% of our energy needs to wind by 2030. Can I have a wind farm in my backyard now? Sure, but you’ll need some of the following: • Plenty of wind (a high-fiber diet does not count) • Ability to measure the wind • Advanced electronics to prevent the electricity generated from the wind turbine from getting back on the grid • Funding Walking the floor at the conference was nearly indescribable. The size, grandeur and bravado of the booths belied the excitement behind the possibility of the wind industry in the United States. Despite the economic slowdown, this is one area that many people legitimately feel has an opportunity to grow. I hope so, too. Research Developing capacity for wind energy in the United States is possible, but like anything, do your research. Here are some websites that have excellent information (I promise, none are a plug – these are offered in good faith):

• www.AWEA.org

• http://www.20percentwind.org/

• http://www.nrel.gov/