By: Melissa Britcher
Pennsylvania has a rich and diverse landscape that lends itself to all forms of renewable energy - including wind. During the Power for the Future: 2008 Pennsylvania Wind Energy Symposium held at Penn State in November, ERG Associate Melissa Britcher met with industry leaders and advocates who are promoting the possibilities for large-scale wind farms, community wind projects and even small wind.
Wind is seen as a critical element in achieving energy independence, and could produce as much as 20 percent of the nation's electricity by 2030, creating many opportunities for wind development in Pennsylvania. As mandated by the state Alternative Energy Portfolio Act, 18 percent of the state's energy production must come from renewable sources, including wind by 2020. Today, electricity makes up 40 percent of energy use in the U.S. and over the next 15 years, the demand is expected to increase by 25 percent. Pennsylvania is the sixth largest consumer of electricity, and third largest producer, with most electricity coming from coal and nuclear and only one percent coming from renewable sources.
To date there are 10 large scale wind farms in Pennsylvania in Somerset, Fayette, Cambria/Blair, Schuylkill, Luzerne and Wayne counties. Pennsylvania has over 300 megawatts of wind power generation installed with several more wind farms planned. It is estimated that Pennsylvania's potential wind power capacity is around 5,120 megawatts, whereas the state's estimated existing wind capacity is at 374 megawatts.
While large turbines and wind farms produce the most bang-for-your-buck, the industry faces many challenges. ERG reported earlier this month on the difficulties, costs and need for an improved grid infrastructure. Large wind producers also discussed the need for more manufacturing capacity to provide parts and equipment, with needs to increase five fold over the next ten years. They said that supply chain issues and a shortage of qualified construction workers, engineers and maintenance professionals are also problematic, and all noted that the current economic situation makes funding projects even more difficult.
Communities across the U.S. are partnering to purchase turbines that will provide locally generated energy at a reasonable cost. Community wind projects have great merit and will be a topic of future ERG blogs.
Small turbines are becoming increasingly popular for residential and small business applications. Smaller turbines operate at slower wind speeds, and require less wind. An average home can get the majority of their power from a 10-kilowatt turbine.
While the up front capital costs can be high, state and federal programs may improve the relative cost and payback times. The benefit for homeowners and communities to produce their own electricity is simple - the cost becomes fixed. With some Pennsylvanians already experiencing the electric rate increase and others just waiting caps to come off in 2009 and 2010, the potential to relieve to rate increases is catching the attention of many. As a renewable source, wind power provides environmental benefits as well. Wind power lessens the amount of traditional resources required to produce electricity, through coal and fossil fuels.
Over the next several months, ERG will continue to discuss the issues and opportunities facing wind production in the U.S. and in Pennsylvania.
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