Production Tax Credit Impact on Wind Farm Aftercare

  During the State of the Union address, President Barack Obama advised Congress to pass clean energy legislation with an extension of the Production Tax Credit (PTC). 

If the PTC in the U.S. was to lapse, the wind industry would fall even further behind the current world leader – China – in terms of production and installed wind capacity.

The President rationalized that the same support and investment from the Government given to oil and natural-gas exploration should be used to further develop renewable energy. A similar strategy to that adopted by the German government in 2011, when Offshore Wind was favoured above that of the Nuclear Industry.

Wind Energy Update spoke with MAKE – a professional team of independent advisors in the international wind energy industry – whose expectations are that a short term extension of the PTC is likely in the latter part of 2012. 

MAKE also predict that it is unlikely that the PTC will exist after the short term extension due in large part to wind power’s more competitive Cost of Electricity and a strong desire in Congress to limit discretionary incentive programs.

Dan Shreve, Director and Partner at MAKE commented that “an expiration of the PTC will drive an even greater focus on wind services as wind asset owners seek O&M strategies that minimize operational expenditures, lower lost energy production levels and increase project performance though innovative upgrade programs.”

MAKE, along with eight of North America’s leading Operators will be gathering in Dallas to discuss how best to utilize the latest industry experience, proven technology and O&M strategies to maximize generation and reduce costs in wind farms. 

Further topics include:

• O&M markets and trends for 2012 and beyond
• End of warranty options (EOW)
• Retrofit technology & Repowering
• Advanced Monitoring Technologies
• Life extension of critical components
• Major Part Failure, Upgrading & Repair
• Grid Integration & Curtailment

Companies confirmed include E.ON Climate & Renewables, AES Wind Generation, Iberdrola Renewables, Duke Energy, EDP Renewables, Infigen Energy, Edison Mission, TransAlta, Wind Capital Group, enXco, GE, Acciona, NERC, Praxis, Hytorc, Foundation Engineering, David Brown and many more. The event promises to deliver wind O&M strategies for wind companies whether they are big or small, or new or established.

For more information on this event, speakers, agenda and workshop, visit the website: http://www.windenergyupdate.com/operations-maintenance-usa/

Or contact

Jon Harman
jon@windenergyupdate.com
1-800-814-3459
+44 (0)207 375 757