Day five of my Colorado wind power tour brought me to the Ecotech Institute, where I met students training to become wind technicians. The news is good for students interested in entering the field- the U.S. Department of Labor has named wind turbine technician the country’s fastest growing job. It’s expected to increase in size … Continue reading Meeting the students training for America’s fastest growing job
Continue readingTag Archives: American Wind Energy Association
Farming the wind
As a native New Yorker and Washington, D.C. transplant, admittedly I haven’t spent much time in rural America. So traveling to wind farms on the Colorado plains this past weekend was truly remarkable for me on a couple of different levels. On the one hand, the AWEA team spends its days advocating for the continued … Continue reading Farming the wind
Continue readingMaking a deal: wind energy power purchase agreements
Continuing on my wind energy tour through Colorado, if this past weekend was all about family farms and wind power, today was all about where the electricity from those farms might go. In 2015, non-utility purchasers accounted for 52 percent of the megawatts contracted under wind power purchase agreements (PPAs), and that number jumped to … Continue reading Making a deal: wind energy power purchase agreements
Continue readingMeeting the people who live and work with wind power
Five months into my tenure at AWEA, I have a head full of facts about wind power. I can tell you about jobs, electric bills savings and clean air benefits. I can explain the policy mechanisms and incentives that help grow wind energy, and which companies are investing in a clean energy future for America. … Continue reading Meeting the people who live and work with wind power
Continue readingOpportunities for women in wind power on the rise
As wind power ramps up, installing more new electricity generating capacity than other energy source last year, so are new opportunities for jobs and leadership positions for women in the U.S. wind energy industry. These changes will be reflected at this year’s WINDPOWER 2016 in New Orleans from May 23 to May 26, as women … Continue reading Opportunities for women in wind power on the rise
Continue readingNot only does growing wind power provide clean, affordable electricity, it also injects massive amounts of capital into our economy. Recently released data quantify just how much: $128 billion over the last decade. Over the last five years, the average has totaled $13 billion annually. Let’s put these numbers into context: $13 billion each year … Continue reading
Continue readingSiting and Environmental Compliance conference
While policy and manufacturing can at times dominate the headlines, those in-the-know understand the importance of siting and environmental compliance. A firm grasp of all the aspects involved with siting and compliance is a critical component for both individual wind projects and having the robust industry we all advocate for so strongly. AWEA’s Wind Project … Continue reading Siting and Environmental Compliance conference
Continue readingMichael Kelley receives Excellence in Operations Award
Michael Kelley, Principal at Mistral Renewable Energy LLC, is this year’s Excellence in Operations Award recipient. The Excellence in Operations Award recognizes an individual or company for excellence in efficient and effective operations of a wind farm, and the winner is someone who collaborates with others in the wind industry to improve the quality of … Continue reading Michael Kelley receives Excellence in Operations Award
Continue readingU.S. wind power sees second strongest quarter in history, ready for 2016
The fourth quarter numbers are in, and they are impressive: the U.S. wind industry recorded its second strongest quarter in history. Combined with the best policy certainty it’s ever known, American wind is poised for a take-off. Fourth quarter results 5,001 megawatts (MW) of wind capacity were installed during the fourth quarter of 2015. More … Continue reading U.S. wind power sees second strongest quarter in history, ready for 2016
Continue readingAmerican wind energy industry installed 5,001 megawatts (MW) during the fourth quarter of 2015
The American wind industry installed 5,001 megawatts (MW) during the fourth quarter of 2015, more installations than in all of 2014, according to data released by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) today. Overall in 2015 the American wind industry installed 8,598 MW, the third largest amount ever installed in a year and a 77 … Continue reading American wind energy industry installed 5,001 megawatts (MW) during the fourth quarter of 2015
Continue readingGovernors’ coalition teams up wind energy and solar power to advance renewable energy across U.S.
After seven years of promoting the benefits of adding wind energy to the U.S. electricity mix, the Governors’ Wind Energy Coalition announced today it will pair its advocacy work for wind with work for solar energy as well. The change is reflected in the group’s new name, the Governors’ Wind and Solar Energy Coalition (GWSC). … Continue reading Governors’ coalition teams up wind energy and solar power to advance renewable energy across U.S.
Continue readingWind energy gains predictability from tax credits’ multi-year extension
The agreement by congressional leaders last night on a multi-year extension of renewable energy tax credits would secure several years of predictable policies that encourage private investment in wind energy, industry leaders said today. “This agreement will enable wind energy to create more affordable, reliable and clean energy for America by providing multi-year predictability … Continue reading Wind energy gains predictability from tax credits’ multi-year extension
Continue readingVan Wert Elementary takes Power of Wind prize
As we focus on the ins and outs of the wind industry every day, the vivid imagination of a child can often help us see familiar concepts in a whole new light. We hoped to capture some of that innovative thinking and creativity in this year’s #PowerOfWind school video competition. And boy, were we impressed … Continue reading Van Wert Elementary takes Power of Wind prize
Continue readingThe elevated office
Zane Wolf is a wind technician for Duke Energy Renewables. He is from Rapid City, SD, and graduated from the Mitchell Technical Institute in 2014. He was inspired to pursue his career after completing an internship as a blade repair technician in 2013. Many people would find themselves content working in a warehouse, a factory, … Continue reading The elevated office
Continue readingU.S. wind energy sees strong third quarter growth
Spurred by a diverse group of supporters, wind energy continues to make great strides in 2015. AWEA’s U.S. Wind Industry Third Quarter 2015 Market Report finds that over 1,600 megawatts (MW) of new wind capacity were installed during the third quarter of 2015, increasing the year-to-date total to more than 3,600 MW. The report also … Continue reading U.S. wind energy sees strong third quarter growth
Continue readingNational Mall art celebrates wind power
The New York Times reported that Procter & Gamble will start using wind power to run factories that produce home goods like Febreeze and Mr. Clean. However, The Times did not mention that, in celebration of the development, the National Mall was covered in a unique art installation consisting of thousands of pinwheels. Not to … Continue reading National Mall art celebrates wind power
Continue readingWind energy grows as policy uncertainty threatens future gains
With over 1,600 megawatts (MW) of new wind capacity installed during the third quarter of 2015, and nearly 3,600 MW installed in all of 2015, wind power continues to gain strength. The release of the American Wind Energy Association’s (AWEA) U.S. Wind Industry Third Quarter 2015 Market Report today shows the market for low-cost wind … Continue reading Wind energy grows as policy uncertainty threatens future gains
Continue readingMy bright future as a wind turbine technician
I can’t say I was never afraid that jumping ship mid-career into the burgeoning wind tech field would leave me scrambling to find a job. I’d had assurances from friends in the field, from global and, finally, national concern over climate change that is translating into incredible progress in wind farm development, but frankly, when it … Continue reading My bright future as a wind turbine technician
Continue readingLow-cost wind energy can play key role in California’s renewable energy future
Today, California Jerry Brown signed landmark legislation to get 50 percent of the state’s electricity from zero-carbon renewable sources within 15 years. American wind power applauded the governor and the bill’s author, Senate leader Kevin De Leon, saying wind can help California meet these goals cost-effectively and reliably. Not only will wind help protect … Continue reading Low-cost wind energy can play key role in California’s renewable energy future
Continue readingThe wind energy is the epitome of progress
It’s hard to keep up with technology’s rapid advancements. With each new release, yesterday’s cutting edge computer or device becomes obsolete. You know progress is a great thing, but at the same time you’re afraid of being left behind. As a wind worker, I can relate. The wind industry is the epitome of progress, but … Continue reading The wind energy is the epitome of progress
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