U.S. Wind Manufacturing Expanded in 2009
U.S. wind industry manufacturing grew in 2009 although at a slower rate than in 2008, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). 10 new manufacturing facilities came online in the US in 2009, 20 more were announced, and nine facilities were expanded.
The largest expansion was in the manufacture of wind turbine sub-components, such as bearings, electrical components, and hydraulic systems. In addition, seven manufacturing facilities for small wind turbines were opened, announced, or expanded.
From 2007-2009, the U.S. wind industry opened, announced, or expanded over 100 manufacturing facilities, bringing the total for wind turbine components to over 200.
All 50 states now employ people in the wind industry - totally about 85,000 workers. Jobs include turbine component manufacturing, construction and installation of wind turbines, wind turbine operations and maintenance, legal and marketing services, transportation and logistical services, etc.
GE Energy remains tops in U.S. wind turbine sales, NextEra Energy Resources continues to lead in wind farm ownership, and Xcel Energy continues to lead utilities in wind power usage.
For 2009, new wind generating capacity installed in the US rose to 10,010 MW, up from 9,922 MW. That made 2009 a record year, with enough wind energy to power about 2.4 million average U.S. homes. See the AWEA press release and an excerpt from the full report (PDF 371 KB).
Swiss Solar Plane Takes Maiden Flight
A solar-powered aircraft took its maiden flight on April 7 in Switzerland, achieving the latest milestone in a project that aims to launch a zero-emission flight around the world in 2012.
Solar Impulse HB-SIA, a lightweight prototype with the 208-foot wingspan of a Boeing 747-400, climbed to just under 4,000 feet during the 87-minute flight. The aircraft has nearly 12,000 silicon mono-crystalline solar cells on its wings and horizontal stabilizer, which power the aircraft's four electric engines.
A test pilot put the craft through a series of maneuvers before landing. Chairman and co-founder Bertrand Piccard views this as an important step forward, but says the team has far to go before it can fly an aircraft all night in preparation for the around-the-world flight.
Piccard, who was first to pilot a balloon non-stop around the globe, initiated the Solar Impulse Project in 2003. His team includes multi-disciplinary scientists and advisers from a number of countries.
In December 2009, the Solar Impulse completed a short inaugural takeoff-and-landing at an airport in preparation for this initial extended flight. Backers plan further testing of this model, which relies on minimal instrumentation and an unpressurized cabin. The next major goal is a 36-hour flight, which would require the addition of lithium-polymer batteries for night flight.
Following that, a second aircraft, Solar Impulse HB-SIB, will be built to attempt several consecutive 24-hour flight cycles. Success in those trials would enable the Solar Impulse to attempt its first trans-Atlantic crossing, currently scheduled for 2012. Meeting that benchmark would clear the Solar Impulse for an around-the-world solar journey. See the Solar Impulse press release and the flight video.
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EREE Network News is a weekly publication of the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).
