Houston recently experienced a wet, rainy and cloudy winter, along with much of the state. Yet, the weather did not put a damper on the wind industry; in fact it kept growing.
"The wind farms operate at higher elevations, and there is always enough wind to make it profitable, so the weather does not affect production. The amount produced might vary from year to year, but over a 10-year period, about the same amount is produced," said Hala N. Ballouz, president, Texas Renewable Energy Industries Alliance.
In Texas there are over 10,000 megawatts in wind-energy facilities in one or more stages of construction, and some in the planning stage.
"Wind energy keeps the transmission grids going, and helps keep electricity costs down, which end users appreciate. Wind power will always be here, and is becoming more accepted every day, becoming more widely used," Ballouz said.
Texas is a national leader in the wind energy industry, with more installed wind capacity and more wind-related jobs than any other state, and this industry is continuing to grow.
In addition, the Texas wind energy industry has provided billions of dollars in economic benefits and has thrived due to state policies.
The state also is home to turbine manufacturers, blade manufacturers and several tower manufacturers, in addition to numerous component suppliers, all of which create jobs.
An investment in wind power is an investment in jobs, including jobs in operations and maintenance, construction, manufacturing and many support sectors. In addition, wind projects produce lease payments for landowners, and increase the tax base of communities.
A recent snapshot of the economic boost in Texas from wind energy includes: 8,001 to 9,000 direct and indirect jobs supported, total capital investment of over $25 billion, approximately $38,927,000 annual land lease payments, and over 500 manufacturing facilities producing products for the industry.
Trained and educated
"As with any industry, workers in the wind energy industry are trained and educated across the country. Wind energy employers recruit and hire individuals with all levels of education and work experience, dependent on the position. Several schools, both community colleges and universities, offer degrees or certificates for the industry," said Michele Mihelic, director, worker health and safety policy and standards development, American Wind Energy Association.
The industry provides specialized training and education for workers who join the industry. Workers are trained extensively on fall protection, climb training, rescue and electrical safety, and other areas.
Each employer provides extensive training depending on the level of experience and type of work they will be providing, and continuous education throughout their career is provided.
"From an educational perspective, mechanical, electrical and technical skills, experience and knowledge are important for wind technicians. Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair and maintenance, and interpersonal skills are important," Mihelic said.
The industry looks for individuals who are mechanically and technically skilled - individuals who are able to work and communicate well independently and in a team setting.
"Detail-orientated individuals with problem-solving skills, mechanical and electrical experience, ability to work at extreme heights and who works well independently and in a group setting are highly sought," Mihelic said.
Further details
For more information about American Wind Energy Association, visit www.awea.org, and for information about TREIA, visit the site www.treia.org.
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