Wind energy in Europe

Journal Article · · Solar Today; (United States)

OSTI ID:5067504

Evans, L C

Wind energy should be an important part of the energy supply mix, both at home and abroad, to provide cleaner air and a more stable fuel supply. Not only can wind energy contribute to solving complex global issues, it also can provide a large market for American technological leadership. Even though utilities are paying more attention to wind in a number of states, there are no plans for major installations of wind power plants in the United States. At the same time, European nations have developed aggressive wind energy development programs, including both ambitious research and development efforts and market incentives. Many countries recognize the importance of the clean energy provided by wind technology and are taking steps to promote their fledgling domestic industries. The emphasis on market incentives is starting to pay off. In 1991, European utilities and developers installed nearly twice as much wind capacity as Americans did. In 1992 the gap will be even greater. This article reviews aggressive incentives offered by European governments to boost their domestic wind industries at home and abroad in this almost {dollar sign}1 billion per year market. By offering substantial incentives - considerably more than the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) is proposing - European nations are ensuring dramatic near-term wind energy development and are taking a major step toward dominating the international wind industry of the 21st century.

• OSTI ID: 5067504
• Journal Information: Solar Today; (United States), Vol. 6:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

17 WIND ENERGY
DENMARK
WIND POWER INDUSTRY
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
ITALY
NETHERLANDS
ECONOMICS
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
CAPITALIZED COST
EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
INTERCONNECTED POWER SYSTEMS
INVESTMENT
PAYBACK PERIOD
RATE STRUCTURE
SELLBACK
TAXES
COST
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
EUROPE
INDUSTRY
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
POWER SYSTEMS
SCANDINAVIA
170400* - Wind Energy- Economic
Industrial
& Business Aspects