NEMA: Electro Industry September 2010 - 8

2 0

1980

1985

1990

1995

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2005

Years

Figure 1
U.S. Liquid Dielectric Transformer (> 10,000 kVA) Imports
1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0

From a global perspective, the U.S. was competing with other countries for siting new manufacturing facilities. For example, international companies could invest capital in the U.S. to build new wind turbine plants, or they could invest in other countries with long-term energy policies that would almost guarantee a return on their investment. The choice was obvious and it was easy to track the growth of renewable resources around the world.
2008

Million $

1996

2000

2004

Years

U.S. Liquid Dielectric Transformer Imports—Over 10,000 kVA

Figure 2
Wind Energy Generation as Percentage of Total Electrical Energy Generation
20 18 16 14

Wind energy production for electric power generation in the U.S. grew from 22 trillion BTUs in 1990 to 57 trillion BTUs in 2000, and to 514 trillion BTUs in 2008, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Although this represents a significant growth in wind energy, most of the growth occurred over the past few years. Even with recent growth, wind energy still represents less than one percent of U.S. electricity generation. Other countries with more consistent energy policies, however, have seen enormous growth during the same period. Figure 2 shows the incredible growth of wind energy in Spain, Germany, and Denmark. It has been more than 30 years since Jimmy Carter raised the concern over energy independence. Many people question the U.S.’s ability to make progress toward energy independence. It is the world leader in many areas, but energy independence hasn’t been one of them, until now. Now, the U.S. appears to be approaching an ideal scenario where there is renewed confidence that the country can finally move toward greater energy independence. Concerns with global warming and carbon emissions have generated fresh interest in renewable resources, such as geothermal, wind, and solar. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and all-electric vehicles herald an opportunity to shift away from oil consumption to electricity for the transportation sector.

Percent

12 10 8 6 4 2 0

United States Denmark Germany Spain

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2005

Years

Wind energy generation as a percentage of total electricity generation from the U.S. and select countries

U.S. Liquid Dielectric Transformer (> 10,000 kVA) Imports
1200 1000 800 600

NEMA electroindustry • September 2010

illion $

NEMA: Electro Industry September 2010

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEMA: Electro Industry September 2010