Wind program technological developments in the United States

Abstract

Under its wind energy research and development program, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) works as a partner with industry to improve understanding of wind system technology and to develop and deploy advanced wind turbines in multi-regional markets. Installed capacity in the U.S. reached 1720 MW by the end of 1995. This figure however does not include some capacity that was retired or taken off line. Growth of about 140 MW during 1995, is attributed to improved and lower cost turbines and was stimulated in part by the availability of energy tax credits and production and financial incentives. In addition, there are nearly 500 MW of firm contracts for new domestic wind plants. Recently, there has been substantial growth outside the U.S. Europe went from 1671 MW in 1994 to 2478 MW in 1995 and the rest of the world went from 192 MW in 1994 to 642 MW in 1995. Commercial projects are currently producing electricity in the $0.05 to $0.07/kWh range operating at moderate (5.8 m/s average) wind sites. The U.S. DOE Wind Energy Systems Program is continuing broad based research and technology development, focusing on advanced wind turbine development. Contracts have been placed with industry for next generation design studies, innovative subsystems applied research, and value engineering to improve existing turbines. Some of these turbines are now being deployed in utility verification projects. Over the past year, the U.S. opened its National Wind Technology Center, located near Golden, Colorado. The center will include a new user facility to serve as a wind turbine blade and system testing and research center for industry.