Photovoltaic Systems

Archive for May, 2009

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) recently held its annual conference dubbed “Windpower 2009) which had a heavy, heavy focus on one major issue: Pass a Renewable Electricity Standard (RES). The conference featured leaders in public policy from all around the nation, including the outspoken AWEA person of the year T Boone Pickens, who spoke on wind issues and praised the great potential it holds in the US’s economy and energy consumption.

First, what is the Renewable Electricity Standard (RES)?

The RES is a policy the AWEA is hopeful for to continue wind energy’s momentum as a renewable energy source.  The policy would be a national commitment to mandating that X amount of the US’s electricity comes from renewable energy sources, of which wind energy is obviously a major part of.

The policy is broader and more robust than anything we’ve seen before, and is probably something I endorse fully.  If the government is still adament on mandating renewable energy utilization in our cars with ethanol, (a completely irrational and failed source of energy in my opinion before cellulosic technology arrives), I see no reason why the government shouldn’t excercise its regulatory strength to come up with a broader standard to include wind energy.

Wind Energy and Job Creation – The economy

Like other issues today, the AWEA mad a strong appeal to those concerned about the economy, touting the amount of quality jobs wind energy can create and the industry’s readiness to meet the demand if a RES is passed. For example:

• The Windpower 2009 Conference featured many exhibits of firms that exist due to the wind industry.  From logistics and manufactuing to all the other support services that would benefit from a RES, the AWEA showed how wide of an impact a RES policy would have on US industry and job creation.
• Michigan touted its auto suppliers, not for their current businesses, but for their suppliers’ ability to switch over to wind energy products given the demand from a future Renewable Electricity Standard.
• Everyone loves federal jobs, right? The Department of the Interior was present touting its commitment to utilizing public lands for the use of wind energy.  Something I fully support, since such actions could create a much needed revenue source for the Treasury to finance all of Obama’s economic stimulus plans.

While I am a conservative at heart, I find no great reason for the government not to move forward with a Renewable Electricity Standard, especially as oil and energy prices are continuing to creep back up from their all time lows.

Check out the AWEA for more Wind Industry information.