EPEC 2009 Detailed Program

Wind power has become an important contributor in the U.S. renewable energy portfolio, with over 18,000 MW currently installed and sustainable wind energy playing an increasingly important role in our long-term energy strategy. The U.S. Department of Energy examined the technical feasibility of having wind energy supply 20% of the nation's energy by the year 2030, and concluded that regions with large hydroelectric resources will have much lower costs integrating this technology. There are many advantages of wind as a clean, renewable energy source, but its variability is still a major challenge. Implementing this significant increase in wind power into the broader electric supply system will require multiple balancing strategies and storage options to maintain capacity reserves and system reliability.