US wind 'could hit 400GW by 2050'
DoE sees potential to support 600,000 jobs, add 86GW offshore to mix
13/03/2015
The US could be using a 400GW wind fleet to meet 35% of its electricity needs and supply renewable power in all 50 states by 2050, a report by the Department of Energy claims.
The Wind Vision document states that with “continuing technological advancements, cost reductions and siting and transmission development”, the nation could install up to 11GW per annum in new capacity through to the date. Researchers say a total of 86GW of offshore wind capacity could feature in the mix by 2050.
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Domestic manufacturing currently supplies the majority of the blades and towers installed at US wind farms and with more than 500 US manufacturing companies across 43 states, continued investment could “boost the nation’s competitiveness, help launch new businesses and secure the future of thousands of manufacturing jobs”.
According to the report, the wind energy industry could support more than 600,000 workers by 2050, including engineers, construction workers, truck drivers, factory workers, utility operators, maintenance technicians, electricians and other supporting services.
Wind Vision shows that the US currently has utility-scale wind projects in 39 states and the sector spurred more than $400m in exports in 2013.
Total investment would reach $70bn per year by 2050 under the growth path outlined by the DoE. The study also reveals that average wind energy costs nationally are approaching cost-competitive levels and the sector is anticipated to provide nearly $280bn in consumer savings by 2050.
The White House said in a statement: “Since President Obama took office, the electricity we get from wind has increased by threefold. In fact, between 2009 and 2013, wind represented approximately 30% of new electricity generation in the US.
“With economically competitive prices in many areas, the US wind energy market currently remains strong as more utilities select wind as a cost-saving option, paving the way to a low-carbon future that protects our air and water and addresses climate change.”
Image: the report maps the potential of the US wind sector to 2050 (USDA)
