The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) WINDPOWER 2012 conference, held in Atlanta, Georgia, arrived at a crucial juncture for the wind energy industry. Finance was a central theme, with discussions revolving around navigating the evolving landscape of incentives, investment opportunities, and market challenges.
A key concern was the looming expiration of the Production Tax Credit (PTC). The PTC, a federal tax credit for electricity generated by wind farms, had long been a cornerstone of wind energy development. Its potential expiration at the end of 2012 cast a shadow over the industry, creating uncertainty for investors and project developers. Sessions focused on advocating for PTC renewal, highlighting its economic benefits and contribution to energy independence.
Financial sessions also explored innovative financing models to reduce reliance on direct government subsidies. Project finance remained a critical area, with emphasis on attracting private equity and institutional investment. Discussions covered strategies for mitigating risk, improving project bankability, and securing long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs). The growing acceptance of wind energy by utilities was seen as a positive sign, but the need for standardized PPA terms and conditions was also emphasized.
Another focal point was the impact of the changing natural gas market on wind energy competitiveness. The rise of shale gas and lower natural gas prices presented a challenge, making wind energy less economically attractive in some regions. Experts analyzed the cost competitiveness of wind energy in different markets, highlighting the importance of technological advancements and economies of scale to drive down costs. There was considerable discussion around the need to demonstrate the full value of wind energy, including its environmental benefits and contribution to grid stability.
AWEA WINDPOWER 2012 also featured sessions on the emerging opportunities in offshore wind energy. While still a nascent market in the U.S., offshore wind held significant potential. Financing offshore wind projects was recognized as particularly complex, requiring substantial upfront capital and specialized expertise. Discussions centered on attracting European investors with experience in offshore wind, as well as developing a domestic supply chain to reduce costs and create jobs.
Furthermore, the conference addressed the importance of grid infrastructure upgrades to accommodate the increasing penetration of wind energy. Transmission constraints were identified as a major barrier to further wind energy development. Experts discussed the need for strategic investments in transmission lines and smart grid technologies to improve grid reliability and enable the efficient integration of renewable energy sources.
In conclusion, AWEA WINDPOWER 2012 served as a platform for industry stakeholders to address the financial challenges and opportunities facing the wind energy sector. The future of the PTC, the competitiveness of wind energy in the face of low natural gas prices, and the need for innovative financing models were key themes that dominated the discussions. The conference underscored the importance of policy certainty, technological innovation, and strategic investments in grid infrastructure to ensure the continued growth and success of the wind energy industry.
839×297 awea from www.awea.com 
4000×3000 awea windpower mcnabb marketing resources from www.mcnabbmarketing.com 
630×300 awea suzhou bridge type machining center from www.awea.com 
560×322 awea windpower xtreme manufacturing from www.xmfg.com