Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
power. In the absence of a technological breakthrough that will beneit a com-
peting technology, wind power is currently the most versatile utility-scale
renewable energy technology that is capable of competing economically
with fossil fuel energy technologies and nuclear power. Accordingly, over the
short to medium terms, global installed wind power capacity can be expected
to increase substantially, particularly as the threats stemming from climate
change become more evident and imminent. his short- to medium-term
window of opportunity bodes well for wind turbine manufacturers because
enhanced market share improves economies of scale and production, thereby
fostering cost reductions. Enhanced market share also enables wind tur-
bine manufacturers to commit more funds to R&D, which further enhances
the prospects of technological innovation and cost reduction.
8
Indications
point to the wind power sector experiencing growing market share over the
next 20 to 30 years, and this suggests that nations that can nurture leading
wind power manufacturing irms stand to reap beneits including enhanced
domestic energy security, enhanced employment in the wind power sector,
and the cultivation of a high growth industrial sector.
here is evidence that there are irst mover advantages associated with
nurturing wind power manufacturing competency. It is not a coincidence
that the top wind power markets—the United States, China, Germany,
Denmark, Spain, and India—also boast domestic wind system manufac-
turing irms that are among the largest in the world. he market is still in
a developmental stage and no wind system manufacturer has managed to
garner enough market share to enjoy monopolistic advantage. Accordingly,
there is still scope for nations to foster competitive domestic wind system
manufacturers through domestic support strategies; however, as the market
matures, market entry will become increasingly diicult for new entrants.
11.2.5 Public Opposition Trumps Economic Impediments at High
Levels of Installed Capacity
Given the commercial viability of wind power systems and the imperative
for expedience in facilitating a transition away from carbon-intensive elec-
tricity generation systems, it seems to be a foregone conclusion that wind
power capacity expansion should be on the political agenda of most nations.
If so, what level of installed capacity should nations aim for?
he answer to this question is nation-speciic, but some generalizations
are possible. As the technology review of wind power presented in this topic
suggested, conservative estimates suggest that up to 10% contribution
from wind power to the electricity grid can be accommodated by tapping
