 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
supply chain For the past five years, new wind power project installations have been expanding at a rate of 31% per year. Although the current economic crisis has slowed growth for 2009, wind power installations are still expected to be strong, due to the recently-passed economic stimulus legislation. Within a few years, wind power installations are expected to return to and exceed 2008 levels. Wind industry companies all along the supply chain will need parts suppliers, workers, and contributing businesses. Become part of this growing industry as it ramps up to provide a significant amount of the country’s power needs from wind – a clean, domestic, renewable resource. State of the Market 2008 shattered previous records The U.S. wind energy industry installed over 8,300 megawatts (MW) in 2008, expanding the nation’s total wind power generating capacity by 50% in a single calendar year and injecting an investment of over $17 billion into the economy. The new wind projects account for over 40% of the entire new power-producing capacity added nationally in 2008. This remarkable growth was driven by strong demand, favorable economics, and a period of stable policy support. At the end of 2008, U.S. wind power capacity was over 25,000 MW (around 35,000 turbines) located in 35 states. These wind farms are expected to generate over 1.5% of U.S. electricity supply in 2009. About 85,000 people are employed in the wind industry today, up from 50,000 a year ago, and hold jobs in areas as varied as turbine component manufacturing, construction and installation of wind turbines, wind turbine operations and maintenance, legal and marketing services, and more. Lower growth in 2009, but still an economic bright spot All signs are pointing to 2009 not being a better year in terms of new installations than 2008, yet industry analysts are hopeful that new renewable energy incentives will quickly bear fruit. At least 5,000 MW of new wind installations are expected to be commissioned in 2009. The wind power industry is not only strong in the U.S., but is growing worldwide, driven by the need for new clean, affordable electricity. Over 27,000 MW of wind power was installed worldwide in 2008, led by the U.S. and China, bringing global installed capacity to over 120,800 MW. Because of the immense size of wind generating equipment, many factors impact a wind turbine’s supply chain, such as the worldwide demand for steel and other commodities, availability of equipment large enough to manufacture, transport and construct the large components, and availability of experienced personnel.
|
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|