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The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) applauds the Senate Energy Committee for seeking solutions to the nation’s growing natural gas shortage and urges the Committee to examine the advantages that wind energy provides as part of the solution. Our country is on course to consume more natural gas than it can produce. Increasingly volatile prices are hurting consumers and industry alike. While there is no one answer to the problem, wind energy is already helping to reduce the current natural gas shortage in the U.S., and can be deployed rapidly over the next few years to help bring it under control. “The more wind energy capacity is installed, the more it will help to reduce the current natural gas supply shortage in the U.S.,” said Randall Swisher, Executive Director of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). "We estimate that the wind farms already in place, and those that will be installed by the end of 2005, will be saving over 0.5 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas per day in 2006.” “The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has taken a strong step to address the natural gas crisis facing our country,” added Swisher. “Our hope is that they will recognize the many advantages that wind energy provides as part of the solution.” The 2004 supply shortfall, estimated at 3-4 Bcf/day, would have been 10%-15% greater if it were not for the small amount of wind energy already installed. The benefits of wind energy, as an abundant, domestic resource, address natural gas supply issues while also staying consistent with several other national policy objectives. Wind energy is one of the cleanest, most environmentally friendly energy sources in the world, and as such helps reduce the environmental impact of our energy supply and protect air quality. Rising and volatile natural gas prices make wind energy attractive in terms of the long-term stable energy price that wind power technology can offer. At the same time using a domestic source of energy will reduce the need to rely on foreign sources of natural gas. By diversifying the power supply and developing America’s homegrown renewable energy resources, wind can help shield consumers from spikes in energy prices. ### AWEA, formed in 1974, is the national trade association of the U.S. wind energy industry. The association’s membership includes turbine manufacturers, wind project developers, utilities, academicians, and interested individuals. More information on wind energy is available at the AWEA web site: www.awea.org |
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©
2004 by the American Wind Energy Association. |
