Wind Energy: Creating a Sustainable Future

The Department of Energy’s May 2008 technical report states that the U.S. possesses sufficient and affordable wind resources to obtain at least 20% of its electricity from wind energy, with no new technological breakthroughs.

As an energy consultant, I agree with most energy experts who describe the need for a comprehensive approach to meet the world’s future energy needs. Cleaner traditional energy production will need to be combined with alternative energy sources to provide a more sustainable future infrastructure.

The critics of alternative energy claim that it can not compete with conventional energy. However, across the nation, wind energy is creating jobs in rural areas and a new source of revenue for the American farmer .

At an oil industry conference today in San Antonio, Texas, the Texas Railroad Commissioner, Michael L. Williams, discussed the future of wind energy in the state. The Railroad Commission has primary regulatory jurisdiction over the oil and natural gas industry, pipeline transporters, natural gas utilities, and surface mining operations. In addition to the traditional infrastructure, Mr. Williams described the continued plan to add 3000 new turbines and a transmission infrastructure to feed the nation’s largest energy consuming state.

Texas’ sustainability plan will not only provide a more stable energy future for the state, but it will create jobs and business opportunities for the surrounding communities. The landscape of oil jacks will be replaced by wind turbines. Oilfield and pipeline operators will become trained to operate wind turbines and build transmission line.

While wind is considered as one of the cleanest alternative energy options available, it is also a huge employment and business opportunity. For contractor, maintenance workers, engineers and scientist, wind presents an exciting sustainable energy challenge. Wind is a sustainability concept that adds value.