The Economics of Wind Energy: A Survey and Status Report

Abstract

Our objective in writing this paper is to share what we have learned about the promise of wind energy and its potential contribution to a comprehensive solution to the long-term energy needs of the U.S. economy. The immediate impetus for our interest came out of a meeting with famed oilman and entrepreneur Boone Pickens and members of his wind power team in the summer of 2008. In that meeting we learned about their vision for the role of wind power in addressing our nation's energy future. That meeting brought two friends together who share a common concern about the growing dependence of the U.S. economy on the importation of foreign oil.

Keywords: energy, wind, electric utility, power generation

JEL Classification: A10, D24, D61, G28, H43, L50, L94, L97, L98, Q20, Q42