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As more individuals and businesses take steps to go green in coming years, renewable energy sources expect to see massive growth. Both the wind power and solar power industries saw remarkable changes last year, with wind power companies adding over 5000 megawatts to the grid and the industry expanding by 45% last year. The solar power industry, though much smaller, saw a similar percentage increase, adding more than 300 megawatts to the U.S. power grid. The renewable energy field is a bright spot in a slowing economy, and experts predict that the growth spurt will continue, adding jobs and clean energy sources in many locations throughout the country.

Part of this trend is due to favorable policies and regulations at both the national and local levels. The federal government has enacted tax credits and business incentives to clean energy companies, and many states have followed suit. Though some of these credits are due to expire at the end of 2008, the industry may be able to weather the storm due to the increasing demand for clean energy in states like California, which has passed laws demanding that utilities buy a certain percentage of their wattage from renewable sources.

One state has been especially welcoming to renewable energy companies. New Mexico’s governor (and former Democratic presidential candidate) Bill Richardson told the Wall Street Journal that his state has enacted laws granting “close to $20 million” in incentives for German solar company Schott. Schott has plans to build a massive solar cell factory in Albuquerque that will provide jobs for approximately 350 residents by 2009, with plans to increase the opportunities to 1500 workers. Schott has a similar solar plant in Billerica, Massachusetts, which manufacturers solar panels for use by construction companies and individuals. The Albuquerque plant will focus on large-scale solar modules for use by utility companies who supply solar-based electricity to grids throughout the country. Because of policies like his, Richardson predicts, “The Southwest is going to become the laboratory for clean tech jobs in renewable energy and energy efficiency.”

Wind power is seeing even more impressive growth, and nearly 20,000 jobs are now available in the U.S. market due to wind energy projects. Half of those were added in the past year, and the trend is expected to continue. Experts in the clean energy field expect tens of thousands of jobs to be created in the coming decade. While some of these emerging companies focus on manufacturing large scale turbines for use by utility companies, others have taken a more local approach, installing smaller-scale turbines at businesses, schools, and hospitals.

One such company is Blue Sky Wind, based in White Plains, NY, and they expect to see a total production of 1000 megawatts through their various projects by 2010. Their common sense approach allows them to seek opportunities to make a difference in various settings. As their website explains, “We seek places where the electrical infrastructure is in place and where supplemental energy is needed and cost effective. BSW will consider urban, suburban, industrial, farm and rural settings for wind projects.” Many businesses are following the same model, and much of the wind industry’s growth is due to small-scale local projects like this. In the coming years, we can expect to see not only large wind farms popping up all over the country, but also turbines on college campuses, in business parks, and in housing developments.

The continued success of the renewable energy industry comes as a welcome bit of news amid pessimistic economic reports and talk of recession. This industry will prosper and grow in coming years despite the dismal prospects for other industries. This shows that utility companies and their customers are starting to consider the source and the environmental impact of their electricity.

Friday, February 8th, 2008 Both comments and pings are currently closed.

By Haley January Eckels