Wind power is on track to generate 10% of U.S. electricity by 2020. Analysts express greater uncertainty after that, when the impact of the production tax credit (PTC) will begin to tail off.

How will the market respond? These trends will outlive the PTC and keep creating demand for new turbines.     
 

Wind Industry Trends

Falling costs. Wind energy costs are down two-thirds in seven years and will keep falling. Analysts surveyed by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory predicted a further 24% drop from 2014-2030.

Higher winds, longer blades. Increased tower elevations make new areas cost-effective, and longer blades make today's turbines perform closer to capacity.

Digitalization. Big data and artificial intelligence are converging with storage to smooth intermittency and maximize output. Meters with two-way communications mean "we can now manage load points bidirectionally," says incoming AWEA Chair Tristan Grimbert of EDF Renewables.

Repowering. The U.S. Department of Energy's Wind Vision study assumes turbines will be replaced at 25 years. New technology increases output, lowers maintenance and generates factory orders.

Check out the rest of the trends moving wind power forward into the 2020s here  »

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