NEWS

WIND POWER: DOE teams up with turbine makers in new initiative

06/03/2008

Ben Geman, Greenwire senior reporter

The Energy Department announced a memorandum of understanding yesterday with six turbine manufacturers to help further DOE’s goal of expanding wind power to meet 20 percent of U.S. electricity needs by 2030.

DOE is working with the manufacturers on research and development, siting strategies, advanced manufacturing techniques, workforce development, standards for turbine certification and other issues, the department said.

The agreement includes GE Energy, Siemens Power Generation, Vestas Wind Systems, Clipper Turbine Works, Suzlon Energy and Gamesa Corp.

U.S. wind power is growing at record levels and is among the suite of technologies eyed as cornerstones for meeting growing energy demand while curbing emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases.

DOE released a major report last month that outlines a roadmap to meeting the 20 percent goal, citing critical needs such as boosting transmission capacity and improved turbine technology.

Wind currently accounts for roughly 1 percent of U.S. electricity supply. Installed capacity grew by 45 percent last year, with record additions of more than 5,200 megawatts of capacity, according to the American Wind Energy Association.