Wind could produce 20% of U.S. electricity by 2030

WASHINGTON, May 12 (Xinhua) -- A new report released by the U.S. Department of Energy Monday suggests that, with right conditions, wind power could provide up to 20 percent of the nation's total electricity needs by 2030.

This forecasting scenario would require tremendous growth in the wind industry, from the current production of 16.8 gigawatts (GW) to 304 GW by 2030.

The 248-page report concludes that reaching 20 percent wind energy will require enhanced transmission infrastructure, streamlined sitting and permitting regimes, improved reliability and operability of wind systems, and increased U.S. wind manufacturing capacity.

For example, achieving 20 percent wind power will require the number of annual turbine installations to increase from approximately 2000 in 2006 to almost 7000 in 2017.

Most notably, the report identifies opportunities for 7.6 cumulative gigatons of CO2 to be avoided by 2030, saving 825 million metric tons in 2030 and every year thereafter if wind energy achieves 20 percent of the nation's electricity mix.

"The wind report is a thorough look at America's wind resource, its industrial capabilities, and future energy prices, and confirms the viability and commercial maturity of wind as a major contributor to America's energy needs, now and in the future," Andy Karsner, DOE Assistant Secretary of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, said in a statement.

Last year, U.S. cumulative wind energy capacity reached 16,818 megawatts (MW) -- with more than 5,000 MW of wind installed in 2007. Wind contributed to more than 30 percent of the new U.S. generation capacity in 2007, making it the second largest source of new power generation in the nation -- surpassed only by natural gas.

The U.S. wind energy industry invested approximately 9 billion U.S. dollars in new generating capacity in 2007, and has experienced a 30 percent annual growth rate in the last 5 years.