The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) issued the following statement last week from Denise Bode, AWEA CEO, in response to United Steelworkers (USW) filing a trade case against China:
“China and many other countries are using every tool at their disposal to lead in clean energy manufacturing including strong renewable energy targets. The US has an opportunity right now to stay in the game by passing an RES–one of the very few policies that has bipartisan support in Congress. The RES is necessary to drive investment in wind energy manufacturing here in the US, and ensure continued growth of domestic content in wind turbines.
As AWEA and USW agreed in our Partnership for Progress, the development of domestic supply chains and a robust manufacturing sector is critical to the long-term health of the wind industry. We jointly recognize that providing the appropriate incentives and commitments can grow the American wind energy manufacturing sector, creating new good jobs and enhancing our economic future.
The US and China are competing for new investment in wind energy manufacturing and the jobs that come with growing a new sector. We are reviewing the trade case and as the representative of hundreds of manufacturers with operations in the US we are very interested in making sure these companies have a fair shot in the global market place. Any practice that tilts the global playing field unfairly would be of serious concern.”
Now AWEA has been pushing for a national RES for some time now, and they aren’t the only ones. In fact, I just ran across another press release stating the concern companies such as Iberdrola Renewables, GE Energy, and the Union of Concerned Scientists have with our weak national renewable energy policy. So what’s the hold up! Is it that senators don’t believe their constituents want a strong national RES? Is it that there is just so much bickering in the senate that they can’t even agree on something they all agree upon? With all of AWEA’s campaigning to have wind proponents call up their senators and representatives urging them to pass a strong RES before the November mid-term elections, you would think the needle would at least be moving in the right direction, right?
Also, how often do we hear about how renewable jobs can/will help the unemployment rate right here in the U.S.? I know that our elected officials are worried about that (mainly because high unemployment on the ground means high turnover on the hill). What do you all think? I want your input, I want to hear what you think the problem is and how we can fix it.
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If wind energy were cost effective, there would be no need for subsidies.
Seems pretty simple to me.
I am currently engaged in development of new technology for wind that is cost effective. But getting funding is like pulling teeth.
Steve Meyer
Solid Tech Inc
There’s no excuse for Congress not having a long term RES passed and on the record. With election coming up this fall, it would be effective if each of us in the wind industry were to contact our congressman and senator in person and ask him why this has not already passed. It will be interesting the excuses we hear. Regardless, after hearing his/her answer, the next move should be to encourage him/her to bring the RES to the table in October / November, and get it passed. Emphasizing the employment aspect of it is important in today’s high-unemployment environment.
Rich
Unfortunately, until a national RES or FIT is established, you will not see stability in the US wind development industry. This probably coincides with the lack of any real concrete US energy policy for some time.
To gain a really broad momentum for wind power, including social support, and to enable thousands of local communities to invest, the wind and renewable energy sector should support the introduction of a national feed-in tariff, as proposed by Jay Inslee.
AWEA mentions, The US and China are competing for new investment in wind energy. I believe this is beyond competing. This is more of an economic war. Look at the big picture in all sectors. The wind industry is turning into a commodity product just like other products have in the past.
Yes, the US needs a national RES we are the wind industry that is supposed to create jobs and economic development. If things do not change you will see more companies in financial distress. The cost of turbines will continue to decline by doing nothing. The US will eventually lose the competitive advantage.
Who do you think wins? Its not the US.
The US must have a National RES in place to offset the economic conditions.
Come on US Gov. Listen to the experienced.
I would like to address the argument that it will create jobs and help with the unemployment. While this superficially is true, how many of these unemployed have the training/knowledge/education to work in this industry? This should not be considered when talking about lowering the unemployment rate since it will take a minimum of 2-3 years before we have a competent, full-sized working force for employers to choose from. I do recognize that there is currently a workforce available, but if the renewable energy sector grows exponentially like some think it will, there will be a shortage of experienced and knowledgeable workers until some filter through the college system. Anyone agree? Disagree?