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One of the lasting impressions from last month’s WINDPOWER 2010 event is the involvement of “Big Oil” in the wind energy industry.
Sure, the trade show booths of ExxonMobil and Shell were in the back corner of the exhibit hall – which suggests they have become exhibitors in recent years and probably decided late to exhibit at this year’s event. But they were there, and their interest in the industry is wider than you might think.
As energy companies, they operate wind farms just like they do oil fields. They also have a significant business in supplying oil-based lubricants to keep the wind turbines turning and all the parts working together.
Fossil fuel may be their bread and butter for a long time, but alternative energy is also on their plates.
My previous post about last week’s WINDPOWER 2010 show in Dallas highlighted the advanced energy enthusiasm in and for Northeast Ohio. It is very real and great to see the current energy and positive long-term outlook.
There were other geographies for sure that captured the attention of attendees and exhibitors. In fact, more than a dozen states and several ports, cities, provinces and countries were on hand to tout their wind-worthiness. According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), 36 states now have wind energy projects.
The host state of Texas is number one in installed wind turbine capacity – and its supporters made sure everyone knew about it. Iowa, with 78 wind farms, currently ranks second and is accelerating its progress – and not giving up on its dream to be number one.
Europe is always well represented, but the overwhelming impression was provided by the large and growing Asian presence at the show. Of the more than 1,300 exhibitors, well over 100 were Asia-based organizations, coming from the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Korea and India, and covering virtually every part of the wind energy industry value chain. There were more than 40 organizations from China alone, plus dozens of multinationals whose wind strategy is directly linked to their China strategy.
One Chinese company, Mingyang Wind Power Industry Group Co., Ltd., which describes itself as the third-largest wind energy company in China, made a splash by announcing the opening of its U.S. operations based in Dallas. The wind turbine manufacturer is starting with an office but plans to build and operate manufacturing centers in the U.S., most likely starting in Dallas. The company aims to become the world’s most affordable provider of wind energy services.
In any language, the message was clear: Global competition in wind energy is becoming fierce, and China, relative newcomer status aside, is right in the middle of that competition.
The largest alternative energy conference in North America will be held next week – WINDPOWER 2010 in Dallas.
Watch for a lot of news coming out of the conference – additional manufacturing capacity, new development deals, expanded relationships, new products and services, and public policy proposals and ramifications.
Several Dix & Eaton clients will be making significant announcements and we’ll have the updates here on the blog and on Twitter (@threeps). Also, follow @aweaevents and the hashtag #wp10 for all show developments, courtesy of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).
Keeping track of activity in the alternative energy space is becoming a full-time job for many people. Following the legislative maneuverings and government incentives. Mingling with 23,500 wind energy folks in Chicago. Interpreting the latest research. And what about energy storage – what happens when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine?
I’ve met with dozens of companies in the wind energy industry and many more organizations still trying to find their way into the supply chain. According to one estimate, more than 530 companies in Ohio alone could become suppliers needed in the manufacture, installation and maintenance of wind turbines. Lots of potential jobs – and lots of potential for confusion and disconnects.
I’ve heard Ohio Sen. Voinovich promote nuclear energy as part of our long-term energy future. And listened to researchers who said nuclear and clean coal won’t last for more than another 20 years.
What’s it all mean? So much information but still light on standards, specifics and clear next steps – sure signs of an industry that’s moving fast but perhaps not sure where it’s going. Do we have what it takes to keep up with alternative energy? Or will we get burned out?
