May
4
Live from the Windy City - 2009 AWEA Conference!
Posted by Erin Paulson at 5:20 pm | Filed In Technical
The American Wind Energy Association (http://www.awea.org/) is taking place this week in Chicago, and I am literally blown away. (Horrible pun - I know.) Almost 20,000 attendees are anticipated to arrive tomorrow as the conference officially begins. That is 9,000 more people than last year, and the enthusiasim and interest is evident throughout the McCormick Place Convention Center. I must admit that it is refreshing to hear positive news about an industry during these tough economic times.
The US Department of Energy has an aggressive target of 20% of our national power to be provided by wind energy by 2030. Using wind as an energy source offers many environmental and health benefits, especially compared to conventional forms of electricity production. Residents of the Midwest (at a rate of 86%) show the greatest support for wind projects in their own hometowns.
This movement to wind energy has tremendous impact on the US manufacturing industry. From turbines and engines to fasteners and post-installation services, the major players within wind energy, such as Vestas, Gamesa and Accion, want domestic supply chain providers. This presents a once in a lifetime opportunity for manufacturers within the US. Today’s preconference seminar, Wind Power Supply Chain Workshop, was very well done. Topics covered included:
- Wind Energy Industry Overview
- Anatomy of a Wind Turbine
- Major Component Sourcing
- Value Chain Services
- Case Studies of Success, to include Cardinal Fasteners (go OH!) and Wausaukee Composites, Inc.
The overall message is that US manufacturers can diversify into a growing and exciting industry, with support from the OEMs. Time will tell if our traditional national supply chain is up to the challenge, but I am very encouraged after learning of the networks and resources available to anyone that is interested.
