The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) announces the formation of the Distributed Wind Energy Association (DWEA), which will focus on advocacy and education to promote the on-site generation and consumption of distributed wind energy. The new coalition will have a national scope and will be lead by Jennifer Jenkins as executive director.
DWEA will expand the efforts of AWEA, which include producing an annual statistical report and advocating on the state and federal levels for distributed wind—small and mid-sized turbines that generate enough electricity for a home or business. DWEA also joined AWEA as an event partner in the second annual AWEA Small and Community Wind Conference and Exposition last December.
Distributed wind systems create local jobs, reduce operating expenses, protect against electric rate hikes, save fuel, and reduce pollution and energy imports. The 2009 market data showed the industry reached 100MW of installed capacity, more than $80 million in sales, and more than $250 million in private equity investment. The industry is growing at a healthy rate and business prospects are improving. This is in large part due to the industry’s successful pursuit of the 30-percent federal tax credit introduced in 2009. “This group can bring additional focus to a promising sector of the wind industry that is many peoples’ first encounter with wind energy,” says AWEA CEO Denise Bode. “As homeowners, landowners, and small businesses look for ways to diversify their energy choices, distributed wind can be a very appealing way to obtain clean, American-made electricity.”
AWEA is the national trade association of America’s wind industry, with more than 2,500 member companies, including global leaders in wind power and energy development, wind turbine manufacturing, component and service suppliers. Learn more by visiting www.awea.org or www.smallandcommunitywindexpo.org.
