A Mighty Wind: Earth Day 2009
President Obama’s visit today at the site of a planned wind energy manufacturing plant in Iowa reminds us of the president’s dedication to renewable energy and creating more green collar jobs. Even more interesting than his well covered PR visit are the reports from Washington that the Interior Department is planning to announce new rules that will pave the way for wind turbines off the East Coast. Finally.
This move by the Obama administration could usher in a powerful new era for wind energy in this country. Currently, the US has zero offshore wind parks in operation. That’s right, not a one. Considering reports by the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) that predicted by 2020 the EU will have between 20GW and 40GW of offshore wind energy capacity—you can say the US getting “blown away” by our European peers. (Sorry.)
From reduced turbulence, to higher wind speeds to increased transmission options, offshore offers tremendous opportunities to advance wind technology and ensure that it is a significant part of our renewable energy efforts. Currently, wind makes up less than 2 percent of all electricity generated in the US today. With offshore installations, such as Cape Wind off of Massachusetts’ Nantucket Sound, looking like their time may have come, we might actually have a real shot of reaching President Obama’s goal of 10 percent of electricity coming from renewable sources by 2012. And for individuals concerned with the environmental impact these wind parks will have, several environmental groups—including the Audubon Society—have backed offshore projects.
It will be interesting to see how these rules impact businesses throughout the wind energy industry, and this news promises to offer some great discussions at the upcoming WINDPOWER 2009 show. We’ll have to hold tight to see what the report from the Interior says before we can understand their impact, and find what new public relations and public affairs opportunities these companies can pursue.
But so far, this is shaping up to look like a meaningful Earth Day. And wasn’t it time?
Posted by Erin DelLlano on April 22, 2009 at 2:56 PM
Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
