DOE Reports Record Growth in Wind Power Paired with Declining Costs

The Department of Energy (DOE) recently released three reports that together knit a compelling story for wind power adoption. DOE reports that land-based wind generation reached a new record in 2020, with a 24% increase in pipeline offshore wind energy paired with declining costs overall. DOE’s assessment gives credence to the Biden administration’s efforts to accelerate renewable energy development and reach 100% clean electricity by 2035.
 
The three reports that comprise the information and findings were prepared by DOW National Laboratories and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

• The 2021 edition of the Land-Based Wind Market Report (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)
• The 2021 edition of the Offshore Wind Market Report (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

The 2021 edition of the Distributed Wind Market Report (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) 
The reports find that in 2020, wind energy was the leading energy source in new installations, making up 42% of the new energy capacity in the U.S.
 
According to the press release, Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm commented that, “These reports contain such terrific news: the U.S. installed a record-breaking amount of land-based wind energy last year. They underscore both the progress made and the capacity for much more affordable wind power to come – all necessary to reach President Biden’s goal of a decarbonized electricity sector by 2035. At DOE, we will double down on efforts to deploy more wind energy around the country as we also pursue technologies to make turbines even cheaper and more efficient.”
 
Earlier this year Secretary Granholm spoke to the ASME community during the inaugural ASME Policy Impact event, sharing the three main pillars of the Biden Administration’s clean energy agenda:

1. Achieve 50-52% reductions in emissions by 2030
2. Attain 100% clean electricity by 2035
3. Reach net-zero emissions by 2050 

 
During her address, Secretary Granholm shared the need for science and engineering innovation at a scale the world has never seen. She believes it will require every ounce of talent and grit the nation has to offer and pointed to ASME members as integral in ushering in the technology necessary for a clean energy transition. “If we marshal the full potential of American society,” said Secretary Granholm, “we really do believe we can win this race.”
 
For the full video of her address to the ASME community, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow6wb4ciDpM.