Blowin’ In the Wind: Pros and Cons of Wind Energy
(Note: companies that could be impacted by the content of this article are listed at the base of the story (desktop version). This article uses third-party references to provide a bullish, bearish and balanced point of view; sources listed in the “Balanced” section)
In 2019, it is predicted wind power will surpass hydropower as the U.S. grid’s largest source of renewable electricity, according to the Energy Information Administration. In 2017, wind accounted for some 6.33% of all electric generation in the U.S., but with a forecast that wind could eventually generate 20% of all electricity, it would appear the market has significant upside potential. Partly driven by the expiration of the production tax credit in 2020, the industry has seen significant capacity additions recently. In 2019, it is projected that installed capacity will increase to 107 gigawatts, up from 96 gigawatts at the end of 2018, with an additional seven gigawatts coming in 2020. From 2018 to 2021, wind power will have played a significant role in total capacity additions, accounting for 20% of the additions.