News Analysis

Will Policy Void and Transmission Woes Blow It for Burgeoning Wind Industry?

Apr 8, 2010

wind energy, wind energy market, transmission capacity
Despite a rotten economy, the American wind power industry added more generating capacity than ever before in 2009, according to the American Wind Energy Association's (AWEA) annual market report. And while the industry is ready to launch an explosive drive for even more capacity, sound policies — including a national Renewable Electricity Standard — are sorely needed. The AWEA report also notes that wind power growth is choking on inadequate transmission capacity.

Quick Take: A senior engineer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory put it perfectly: Building transmission capacity takes a lot longer than building wind farms. While Smart Grid transmission technologies are forging ahead, transmission cost, jurisdiction and siting issues remain stumbling blocks. We'd hate to see the vibrant, forward-thinking wind industry implode because it has nowhere to go.

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