Who will rise up to fill the wind market void left by the US?

A rotor assembly is mounted in Illinois. US installations are set to slump next year

Strong expansion in Northern Europe and emerging markets will drive wind-power growth until the end of 2016, but the US industry will take some time to recover from a slump as the production tax credit (PTC) expires, according to analyst MAKE Consulting.

Along with most of the industry, MAKE expects a bumper year in 2012 — with growth of 23% — as expiring incentive schemes support record installations. However, expiration of the PTC is likely to lead to a collapse in the US from 9.7GW in 2012 to 2.5GW in 2013, and this will lead to the first year-on-year dip in global installations since 2004.

“The end of the PTC cycle drives 2012,” says MAKE director Steen Broust Nielsen.

“Our scenario includes an extension at the end of the year, but the damage…

Become a Recharge subscriber!

Or try our free trial.

Order Subscription

Already a member?

Login