With PTC extension uncertainty, some believe the wind industry will loose value. But many U.S.-based companies still believe in wind and openly support it with enthusiasm.

For instance, a recent announcement by Google — an agreement to purchase 48 MW of wind energy in Oklahoma — shows how some successful companies value renewables. Mom’s Best Cereals, another supporter of renewable energy, purchases wind energy credits to offset consumed electricity. Other corporate wind supporters include Yahoo!, Microsoft, Sprint, Nike, Starbucks, and Hewlett-Packard, just to name of few.

The wind industry has also contributed to the U.S. economy with over 75,000 jobs. According to a report by research firm, Personal Computing Industry Center, wind has created more jobs in the U.S. than the Apple iPod did in 2006. But the number of jobs could be cut in half without a PTC extension.

There is no denying the value of wind as a clean energy source. Wind farm developers have shifted their focus to ensuring that existing wind farms are productive and the turbines last 20 years. Proving the value of wind energy is an uphill battle, but it is one that industry supporters are willing to fight.

-Nic Sharpley