Wind power made in the USA breaks new records

Approximately $200 million of the $787,000 million of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be allocated to R&D in the renewables industry; $110 million of which will be received by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the most significant activity of which is wind power R&D, while a further $83 million will be assigned to other R&D projects.

$45 million will be used exclusively to improve the laboratory for testing wind turbine drive train systems, while a further $14 million will be made available to the private sector to boost research into and the development of lighter weight, more resistant materials for turbine blades, towers, and other components.

The fund will also provide $24 million for three future consortia between universities and industry to focus on critical challenges regarding wind turbines and wind farms. "Wind energy will be one of the most important contributors to meeting President Obama's target of generating 10 percent of our electricity from renewable sources by 2012," Chu said.

Still no statutory national standard

Although signs of support for the industry are clear, AWEA still requires a firm long-term commitment. Denise Bode, AWEA CEO, has emphasised that Obama’s campaign included a pledge to implement policies to ensure that 25% of the USA’s demand for electricity is covered by renewable energy by 2025. According to Bode, a portfolio standard is required obliging each electricity company to accept this target, following the example of many states which have already adopted Renewable Energy Standards (RES). “The time is now for a national RES”, Bode stated.

Meanwhile, during the first quarter of 2009, Kansas and New York have exceeded 1,000 MW of accumulated wind power generating capacity, taking the wind power “gigawatt” state club to nine. Texas has strengthened its leadership position with an additional 585 MW, taking its accumulated generating capacity to 7,907 MW; far ahead of the next state, Iowa, with 2,883 MW. However, Indiana has seen the fastest rate of growth after bringing 400 MW on line (75% growth). Other states with significant growth rates include Maine (55%), Nebraska (53%) and Idaho (49%).

For additional information:

www.awea.org