The Implications of the Expiration of US Renewable Energy Subsidies

US Renewable energy subsidies expired in 2011 and this will slow the growth of renewables. There is already evidence that the expiration of the renewable energy cash grant programme under Section 1603 of the US Internal Revenue Code will reduce the volume of new renewable energy projects.

US Wind Energy Market Review and Forecasts for 2012

After decreasing by almost 50 percent in 2010 the US wind installations began to show signs of recovery in 2011. Wind farms have proliferated across the United States over the past decade, they now generate 3 percent of the nation's electricity. Wind power has installed 35 percent of all new American electric generation in the last five years. Wind energy is also one of the fastest growing new sources of US manufacturing jobs. American wind power accounts for 75,000 jobs today, and can grow to almost 100,000 jobs four years from now and according to a Bush Administration study, wind can support 500,000 American jobs less than 20 years from now. The U.S. now has over 400 manufacturing facilities in 43 states involved in wind turbine manufacturing. This represents a 12-fold growth in domestic manufacturing over the last six years.

US Solar Energy Review and 2012 Forecasts

The solar sector will face some intense headwinds in 2012. Despite obstacles, the solar market may add at least 25 GW of new capacity in 2012. In North America the market for photo voltaic solar panels has a projected compounded annual growth rate of 42 percent between 2011 and 2015.

Renewable Energy in 2012: The Global Economic and Environmental Climate

Since 2009, lower fuel and energy prices created some tough uphill conditions for renewable energy. Despite these powerful headwinds renewable energy installations have increased over the last few years.

10 Leading Wind Energy Countries

24/7 Wall St. recently reviewed the Global Wind Energy Council’s (GWEC) 2011 ranking of the ten biggest producers of wind power in the world. Wind power keeps growing despite a recession and slow economic growth. According to the GWEC report the world’s wind energy capacity increased by 17.3 percent in 2011.

Six Markets where Global Wind Energy Keeps Growing Despite Economic Uncertainty

Although some have reported that the wind industry is "gasping for air," a new report shows that the economic volatility we saw in 2011 did not keep the sector from growing. The dire prognosis for wind power is contradicted by AWEA CEO Denise Bode who said, "American wind energy's long-term fundamentals are strong."