This year ahead promises new growth and exciting challenges for the wind industry. Over 20,000 MW of new wind capacity was already under construction in the third-quarter of 2018, with another 17,000 MW in advanced development. According to the American Wind Energy Association’s (AWEA) Market Report, seven states were close to doubling wind, bringing the total capacity of wind in the United States to more than 90,500 MW.

What’s more is the low cost of wind. In a recent study from research firm, Lazard, wind is now the cheapest source of new power generation in many U.S. markets — and that’s regardless of incentives. Wind is, for the first time, also becoming cost-competitive with existing conventional power plants.

Lower costs are leading to increased demand and new, more efficient turbine components and towers. For example, 2018 saw the first orders for 4-MW land-based wind turbines from turbine manufacturers such as Senvion and Vestas. GE also promises the first prototype of its Haliade-X offshore wind turbine in 2019, featuring the world’s first 12-MW capacity. Click through the pages of this site and you’ll get a sense of the innovation that permeates the wind industry.

The U.S. the offshore industry has also fully launched with more offshore wind farms to begin construction in the coming years. In fact, The U.S. Department of Energy predicts about 22,000 MW of offshore wind is possible by 2020, and states such as Massachusetts (1,600 MW by 2027), New York (2,400 MW by 2030), New Jersey (3,500 MW by 2030), and others have already set lofty offshore wind goals.

And because U.S. waters are deeper than the North Sea, expect to see a few floating wind turbines. California has already proposed a 100 to 150-MW floating offshore wind farm more than 20 miles off the coast of Eureka.

To keep wind-generated power flowing, we at Windpower Engineering & Development know it is important to recognize the leaders that push the industry forward.

Here, you’ll see the accomplishments of fellow engineers and companies in a range of categories. Kudos to the winners!

 

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