USA - United States becomes world leader in wind power

Companies involved in the manufacturing and distribution of products related to wind energy are anticipating a banner year for 2009 as a new base of customers inherit the wind as their primary source of energy. But some manufacturers with an eye towards expanding market presence in the U.S. are waiting with baited breath. By early 2009, the U.S. will have inaugurated President Barack Obama who will be consumed with healing the nation from an economy in shambles. His actions could have a ripple effect on the spending intentions of businesses and consumers who are considering converting to renewable energy sources as a means to cut energy costs and help promote environmental reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Obama said he would invest $15 billion a year in renewable energy sources to create five million new energy jobs through 2018. He also stated that he would emphasize a program to spend $150 billion over 10 years to develop renewable energy sources, like wind, and to encourage energy conservation.

SBI estimates that the total wind energy market in the U.S. is valued at $151.3 billion. The U.S. wind industry expanded rapidly in 2008 fueled by three key market drivers:

- Skyrocketing fossil fuel and oil prices for commercial and home heating
- Long-term demand for renewable energy sources domestically
- Improvements in technology that streamlines the manufacturing of wind turbines, especially for larger machines required for offshore wind farm initiatives
- Positive employment outlook in turbine manufacturing sector

Scope and Methodology:
This report includes both primary and secondary research. Secondary research data have been obtained from government sources, trade association publications, business journals, and company literature. Statistical data are included for industry revenue, both globally and for the United States. Historical data are provided for the 2002 to 2008 time frame with projections of future sales through 2013. The base year for the report is 2008.

The report covers shipments, imports and exports, as well as the economic and market trends driving the wind power industry. It identifies key market trends and dynamics, and profiles major market players, outlining their strategies to maximize growth and profitability.

SBI’s research methodology for this report involved aggregating, synthesizing, and analyzing data from several sources, including the U.S. government and several third-party market research syndicated data suppliers. Historical data relating to the manufacturing and distribution of wind energy products in the U.S are culled from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Analysis of these data, including market-level shipments, imports and exports provide the foundation for our projections of overall market size and growth during the next five years. Our projections also take into account data that indirectly affects the growth of the wind energy market, such as information provided by the U.S. Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and the American Wind Energy Association.

The shipment value has been used to indicate the market supply of wind energy products, specifically products manufactured to develop wind energy turbines. Shipment statistics are derived from the U.S. Census of Manufacturers and the Annual Survey of Manufacturers, and are estimated and projected by SBI.