Recently, the DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy issued Wind Vision: A New Era for Wind Power in the United States. The report, a follow up to the 2008 20% Wind Energy by 2030, looks at the future of wind power through 2050 along with the economic, environmental, and social benefits of a robust wind industry. Key takeaways include:
- On top of the 50,000 jobs they supported in 2013, by 2050 wind investments could create over 600,000 jobs in industries such as construction, engineering, transportation, manufacturing, operations, maintenance, and supporting services.
- Through 2050, consumers would save $280 billion in natural gas costs as lower demand causes prices to fall.
- Local communities would benefit from $1 billion in annual land lease payments, $440 million annually for offshore wind plant payments, and another $3 billion in property taxes.
The report stresses that collaborative industry and government stakeholder action is crucial to reaping these future benefits. Suggestions include cutting wind generation costs, growing developable sites, and deploying wind power to add economic value, specifically in American jobs and manufacturing. Click here to view more highlights.
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