Conventional power media is picking up on the US wind energy story for '05. While things look rosy in terms of price competitiveness and the rhythm of installations through '07, the industry is still facing key structural issues that I will continue to hammer away at: component shortages and policy instability.
Right now there's a convenient convergence of spiking gas, PTC in force, and environmental consciousness that's driving demand. For the wind industry to exploit this situation, it has had to weather years of a boom and bust market cycle and cheaper gas. US wind is riding high as it will lead the world this year, and probably next year, in MW added - but by no means is it a smooth ride.
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