What was that about a Renewable Energy Standard (R.E.S.) by Tony Green

Currently in the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) advocates the implementation a national Renewable Energy Standard. (R.E.S.) This is intended to primarily ensure demand to drive growth in the wind turbine industry.  In recent times wind installations have slowed down because of the credit crunch and economic climate. In spite of recession a large amount of development in the sector is now underway.

Despite a national RES not being in existence the RES concept has moved forward. Thirty states opted to implement a required RES while two more states utilize voluntary renewable standards.

An RPS requires electric utilities and other retail electric providers to supply a specified minimum amount of customer load with electricity from eligible renewable energy sources. The goal of an RPS is to stimulate market and technology development, in due course allowing cleaner forms of energy will be economically competitive with conventional forms of electric power.

The benefits of an RES include environmental improvement (e.g., avoided air pollution, global climate change mitigation, waste reduction, habitat preservation, conservation of valuable natural resources), increased diversity and security of energy supply.  Furthermore, local economic development resulting from new jobs, taxes, and revenue associated with new renewable capacity and provides a clear and long-term target for renewable energy generation can increase investors' and developers' confidence in the prospects for alternative energy.

Wind energy seems to be making significant progress in regards to fulfilling its potential as an energy source. Wouldn’t it be sad to lose all of the momentum generated by the advances in technology? If you do not believe in the importance of a RES please think again.