Where is Wind Power a Significant Energy Source?
According to the American Wind Energy Association the states that lead in wind-produced electricity are Texas, Iowa, and California, respectively. The states that are in the greatest growth phase are Ohio, Colorado, and West Virginia. This indicates that the industry is growing where it has had small impact until recently.
Additionally, the construction of wind power installations seems to be picking up again after a brief dip in 2008. Approximately 75% of the nation’s states have invested in wind power. Energy from the wind is catching on everywhere with the exception of the southeast.
Wind Power is Growing Fast
For the past decade wind power has been the fastest growing source of alternative energy. Electricity generated by wind power increased by 33% in 2009 compared with 2008. Projections from various sources project that wind power can supply 20% of the country’s electricity by 2030. Currently, less than 3% of U.S. electrical power is wind-generated. There is plenty of room for growth.
Wind power has rapidly gained worldwide interest. Germany leads the world in megawatts produced by wind turbines. The United States and Spain are second and third respectively.
Who is Hiring and Where?
There are sites on the Internet that advertise directly for jobs in the wind energy field. Many require specific training in engineering or related fields. Not all jobs in the wind energy industry are on-site, and will be harder to find. Manufacturing of wind turbines involves many industries to make and supply components and erect the turbines. Over 400 companies are involved to some extent in the wind industry.
Those interested in exploring employment in the wind energy industry should do their homework. The Internet is a good place to start. The web can locate the major construction projects. Specific jobs are often advertised in newspaper sites in the construction regions. Other sites emphasize job training in wind energy.
Many companies are involved either directly or indirectly in the wind energy industry. Helpful information can be found in searching individual companies that are involved at different levels.
Reducing Dependence on Foreign Oil with Wind
If the U.S. continues to increase the use of wind power, a lot of dollars will remain in the country. The 20% goal by 2030 is attainable according to many experts..
Oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens began to promote the development of a huge wind farm in Texas in 2008, spending billions of his own money promoting the idea. Pickens sponsorship was, he said, based on a desire to substantially reduce American dependence on foreign oil, much of which is burned to produce electricity.
The plan was eventually scrapped when Pickens announced that power transmission lines in Texas were not sufficient. He maintains that he still plans to develop a wind warm in Canada. Still, Texas is by far the number one state in wind-produced power. Ranchers in Texas have profited from leasing ranch lands for wind turbines.
Of all the possible sources of alternative energy, wind power has the fastest growth as an industry. The expectation is that 20% of the country’s electric power will be generated by wind turbines by 2030. Numerous jobs are being created as the industry grows. Job-seekers are advised to become informed about the locations of specific wind industry projects. U.S. commitment to wind power has placed it second only to Germany in the world. Energy experts like T. Boone Pickens support the growth of wind power.
Sources:
- “Northwest States in Top Ten for Wind Power,” Nov. 2, 2011 (Accessed: November 2, 2011)
- “The New SWT-2.3-113,” Nov. 2, 2011 (Accessed: November 2, 2011)
Harvey Craft - I am a retired educator with diverse experience. I read anything science, education, and history. I write to share what I learn.
