Demand Rises for Wind Energy Systems
Growing interest in clean alternative energy sources will help drive demand for wind turbine systems and components through 2012, according to a new study by researcher The Freedonia Group.
The new study says the market for wind systems and components will grow 6.8% per year from $7.2 billion in 2007 to $10.1 billion by 2012.
Horizontal turbines for utility-scale projects will continue to dominate the wind turbine system market. In 2007, independent power producers accounted for 83% of wind system demand at the at the utility grade level.
In many cases, these independent power producers have greater expertise in developing wind energy projects and efficiently operating wind farms than larger utilities, according to Freedonia, based in Cleveland. However, through 2012 larger public utilities are expected to post the strongest growth, albeit from a small base.
Often, these utilities are responding to regulatory and public pressure to increase their use of renewable resources.
The new study says the market for wind systems and components will grow 6.8% per year from $7.2 billion in 2007 to $10.1 billion by 2012.
Horizontal turbines for utility-scale projects will continue to dominate the wind turbine system market. In 2007, independent power producers accounted for 83% of wind system demand at the at the utility grade level.
In many cases, these independent power producers have greater expertise in developing wind energy projects and efficiently operating wind farms than larger utilities, according to Freedonia, based in Cleveland. However, through 2012 larger public utilities are expected to post the strongest growth, albeit from a small base.
Often, these utilities are responding to regulatory and public pressure to increase their use of renewable resources.
Wind turbine systems consist of a nacelle, a rotor system and a tower. The nacelle is an enclosure that sits on top pf the tower and houses the generator, power electronics, the gearbox, the drivetrain and other components.
By Jim Carbone -- www.purchasing.com
