INTRODUCTION
STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
BCC’s goal in conducting this study was to determine the current status of the wind turbine industry in the United States and assess its growth potential over a 5 year period from 2008 to 2013.
Our key objective was to present a comprehensive analysis of the current wind turbine market and its future direction.
REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY
Wind power usage in the United States has been growing at a significant rate in the past few years and has generated considerable interest in industry, government and the public. This study will take a closer look at the wind turbine installation and purchasing trends of some of the leading states as well as their growth potential. This report measures and forecasts the overall U.S. market for wind turbines based on surveys of the states using the most wind power and estimations of use among the remaining states. The states surveyed include:
- Texas
- California
- Iowa
- Minnesota
- Washington
- Oregon
- Colorado
- New York
- Kansas
- Illinois
The manufacturing of wind turbines to address the U.S. demand has likewise seen strong growth and we were interested in determining the extent of the manufacturing activity of the wind turbines as well as the many supporting components.
Components include:
- Rotor
- Tower and electrical
- Gearbox and drive train
- Nacelle and controls
BCC examined the wind turbine industry in 2003. Since this industry is changing rapidly, we wanted to conduct another analysis and project the growth potential of this important market.
INTENDED AUDIENCE
This study will be of interest to manufacturers of wind turbines and the various component and accessory equipment suppliers, as well as the end users, including project developers, operators and utilities. It will also be of interest to consulting companies, construction and transportation companies, landowners and financial and investment institutions with a stake in the energy industry. The study will likewise be of interest to municipal, state and national government agencies, as well as academic institutes and non-profit organizations that need to make energy purchasing decisions or give energy purchasing advice.
SCOPE OF REPORT
The scope of this study encompasses the major U.S. wind turbine markets. BCC analyzes each market, determines its current status, examines the impact for the future, and presents forecasts of growth over the next 5 years. Technological issues including the latest trends are discussed. Other influential factors such as rising energy costs, changing government regulations and improving efficiencies are reviewed.
BCC analyzes the industry on a nationwide basis, both from a manufacturing and energy capacity point of view. We examine government support and wind industry organizations and activities in the U.S. The current and projected status of wind power versus other energy sources is compared to national energy consumption averages.
INFORMATION SOURCES
BCC surveyed approximately 100 companies to obtain data for this study. Included were manufacturers of wind turbines and their components, as well as national wind power organizations. We also researched wind turbine purchasers in a variety of markets. In addition we compiled data from current financial and trade information, government and industry sources, including in large part data from the American Wind Energy Association projects database.
ANALYST CREDENTIALS
The author is a mechanical engineer (M.S. from Columbia University) with over 17 years of experience in the energy industry in a variety of positions. He has done market analysis, technology surveys and business planning for major international corporations including Raytheon. He has been directly involved in the introduction and development of new energy and industrial technologies to the marketplace. Other energy experience includes oil, coal, nuclear, solar and fusion.
