DOE says 20 percent wind power achievable

23 May 2008 -- The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) said that using wind power to generate 20 percent of the nation's electricity is achievable–without any new technological breakthroughs. The DOE's report "20% Wind Energy by 2030" said that by accelerating the growth of wind power the nation's use of natural gas could be reduced by 11 percent and use of coal by 18 percent annually, reportedly reducing CO₂ emissions 825 tons every year.

"We can do this nationally for less than half a cent per kilowatt hour if we have the vision," said Andrew Karsner, the DOE's assistant secretary for efficiency and renewable energy.

According to the DOE's report, the growth rate needed to reach 20 percent would pose challenges for the wind energy industry but is achievable. Already, the wind industry is attracting many new entrants–traditional utilities like Florida Power and Light, smaller wind developers and even big oil companies.

T Boone Pickens recently placed a $2 billion order for wind turbines from
GE. Pickens is among many in the oil and gas industry that are investing heavily in wind.

Smaller wind companies are also thriving. This week Nacel Energy, a Wyoming headquartered wind developer, announced a 600 MW joint-venture wind project.