WINDPOWER 2007: WHERE THE MONEY IS

WINDPOWER 2007 closed yesterday, with the men and women of wind energy charging out of Los Angeles toward their new horizon, 20% of US electricity by 2030. If anybody represents what is good and right and capable in this day and time, it is these people and this industry. "Climate change challenges," you say to them. "Get out of the way!" They answer. "There's work to do!"

Wind Leads Energy Investments
June 6, 2007 (UPI)
WINDPOWER 2007
WHO
- American Wind Energy Association and the astonishing array of talent, skill and commitment that is the wind energy industry
- Huge corporate entities like General Electric Co., Siemens, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., Vestas Wind Systems A/S and Iberdrola SA of Spain as well as publicly held utilities and co-ops

WHAT
Money is coming into the wind energy industry as fast as it can find investments.

WHEN
This is a real-time deal. The industry is happening right now. Any company with a reputation for providing service is booking work into the future. Many companies are taking orders that will not be filled until the next decade of this century.

WHERE
WINDPOWER 2007, the industry’s annual event, closed today in Los Angeles.

WHY
- As the nation and the world drive to build up renewable energy capacity, wind leads the way. The industry is preparing to provide 20% of US electricity by 2030.
- A wide array of incentives and tax benefits are greasing investment wheels. And more than 20 states now have Renewable Energy Portfolios (RPSs), guaranteeing a market for all the renewable energy wind (and solar and hydro and wave/current/tide) can generate.
- $150 million of investment is estimated to be in the works. Figure $1 million/megawatt for turbines. Order now and take delivery in 2009.
- Vestas’ market value has doubled; Gamesa, Suzlon and Repower jumped.
One forecast (click to enlarge)
QUOTES
- Philippe de Weck, Pictet & Cie: "Wind has the biggest potential to meet renewabl energy targets over the next decade compared with solar and biofuels…"