According to the American Wind Energy Association, wind generated 1.8% of U.S. power in 2009. All renewable sources of energy now exceed 10% of the power mix.
company would like to have more do- mestic sources, according to Gangulee. “Europe has a big advantage be-
cause it is the world leader in the wind industry and has a 10-15 year head start. [Metalcasting facilities] there are further ahead,” Gangulee said. “Latin America, specifically Brazil, has an advantage because the emission laws are more relaxed. In the 1980s and
90s, facilities in the U.S. had to make investments to reduce their emissions. Brazilian companies instead used their capital to invest in more capacity.” Price-wise, Gangulee said the duc-
tile iron parts from U.S. companies have been competitive with other for- eign sources, but he indicated U.S. sup- pliers have not come close on price for a large gray iron housing part, which
Winergy sources from China. The key to increased domestic
content in wind turbines is to build up the manufacturing infrastructure, such as nacelle assembly facilities, Simko said. Some signs show the country is headed in that direction. In 2009, 10 new manufacturing facilities came online, 20 were announced and nine were expanded, according to AWEA. Now the Midwest contains 200 wind turbine manufacturing facilities. According to AWEA, wind turbine components installed in 2008 in the U.S. have an average of 50% domestic content, up from less than 25% a few years ago.
Investing at Home Becoming a wind casting source
takes investment. Gangulee stressed that the ability to make one large cast- ing is not enough. The facility must demonstrate it can make the castings with quality on a repeatable basis in an efficient manner. “We hope [industry trade associa-
Thirty-nine wind power manufacturing facilities were announced, expanded or completed in the U.S. in 2009.
May/June 2010
tions] can convince [metalcasters] to make capital investments in their facili- ties,” he said. “We will be constrained soon for castings in two ways: total tonnage needed and the size of the castings at quantity.”
Metal Casting Design anD PurChasing 39
Photo courtesy of Suzlon.
Photo courtesy of REpower.
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