Wind energy roadmap

Abstract

Wind Energy has been existent for many centuries and has advanced in both products and technologies. We illustrate how Wind energy has evolved and its predicted future in a form of a graphical Technological Roadmap. We considered the following aspects as the basis of our research: - Environment, rising cost and dependency of oil, the availability of profitable and natural wind resources in the Pacific NW, business opportunities and government involvement. Our research is angled from a business perspective with interests discussed in detail later in this report. We predict, as implementation and the shift towards renewable energy, specifically wind energy occurs, there will be considerable reduction in the fluctuation and high cost of utilities, efforts towards the alarming concern of global warming and the increase of awareness of wind energy and it's products as a dependable natural alternative energy resource. We used multiple analytical tools and Technology Roadmaps to drive our research and to draw comparisons, demands and predictions amongst Market Drivers, Products and Technology levels, all in respect towards a set timeline. The design of the roadmap was created with importance emphasized on flexibility to change and comprehension of the objectives driving the roadmap. Various designs of objects and color codes representing products, resources and technologies were used in the design of the roadmap. An in-depth analysis of Wind Energy at present and it's forecasted future potential in the next 20 years was analyzed. Technology Roadmaps were created for each stage of our analysis, which constantly changed depending on collective data and scope refinement through a process of elimination and importance. Our report can be used as a foundation for future entrepreneurs in the energy sector that wish to explore new business opportunities and wish to diversify their current energy portfolio with a energy efficient portfolio. It could also serve as an educational tool to consumers and be able to assist governmental organizations to achieve their set target to increase the wind energy usage by 20% by the year 2020. Our objective is to identify and present the benefits in utilizing Wind energy to Residential, Commercial and Industrial consumers within the Pacific NW, with a basis on renewable energy as a whole with a specific focus on Wind Energy. Considering the climate and geographic location we feel that wind energy has the most potential in the Pacific NW.