The United States is betting on the wind: 500,000 GWh expected, an energy revolution in progress
The United States is witnessing a dramatic transformation of its energy landscape. While solar photovoltaic power is growing steadily, wind power is now taking over, promising to deliver 500,000 gigawatt hours (GWh) to the national power grid in the coming years. This major change reflects a new strategic direction in American energy policy.
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Wind power, America's new driving force
Wind energy is establishing itself as America's new renewable superpower through technological advancements and supportive policies. The latest Department of Energy (DOE) reports from 2024 indicate that this source of energy already provides more than 10% of the country's electricity, with an investment of 10.8 billion euros and the creation of more than 125,000 jobs.
Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act
The recent adoption of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has propelled the expansion of wind energy, with a 30% increase in near-term deployment forecasts. Annual installations are expected to reach more than 15 GW by 2026 and nearly 20 GW by the end of the decade, driven by growth in the U.S. manufacturing chain.
France, attentive to the American model
France is closely observing the American energy initiative, considering duplicating this model of success on its own territory. Inspired by the United States' massive commitment to renewable energy, France is currently evaluating the potential to adopt similar strategies to increase its own renewable energy capacity. French decision-makers are particularly interested in the economic and environmental benefits observed across the Atlantic, such as job creation and the significant reduction of carbon emissions. This orientation towards inexhaustible energy sources could not only strengthen France's energy independence but also position the country as a European leader in the renewable energy sector.
The challenges of solar energy
Despite the success of solar photovoltaic energy, which has significantly increased its production over the last decade, it faces multiple challenges. In 2023, the United States produced 238,121 GWh from solar, a figure even lower than that of wind. There DOE Solar Futures Study reveals that the expansion of solar installations could reach 3,200 GW, but this growth is held back by supply chain, policy and technology obstacles.
Policies and innovations defining the renewable future
The American government has implemented policies to support renewable energy, notably through the IRA which boosted the wind sector. Working with stakeholders, DOE is working to accelerate the deployment of wind energy and increase the share of renewable energy in the electricity grid.
Future prospects for renewable energy
Offshore wind energy projects are showing impressive growth, with cumulative capacity exceeding 80,000 MW. If these projects come to fruition, they could provide electricity to more than thirty million American homes, illustrating the strong trend in favor of wind energy as a pillar of renewable energy in the United States.
The leading role of wind energy
Although solar photovoltaic energy is almost mature, wind energy is expected to be the renewable energy source to fastest growing. Forecasts indicate that wind energy will contribute 500,000 GWh to the grid in the coming years, supported by affirmative policies and significant investments in the wind sector.
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This article explores the energy transition in the United States with a particular focus on the rise of wind energy. While solar energy continues to play an important role, it is wind energy that is now leading the charge, transforming the country's energy mix while strengthening the resilience and sustainability of its energy system.
