up a wind turbine. Through 2030 it seems very likely that the tower heights and rotor diameters will continue to grow in order to sweep larger areas of higher speed winds. As mentioned previously there is potential for variable diameter blades in the future, but this probably won’t be a prevalent feature by 2030. With the technology of the direct drive turbine, there are fewer power losses converting the wind energy into electricity. It is predicted that this technology will play a large role in the advancement of wind turbines into 2030. As a result of increased size and efficiency, capacity factors and generating capabilities will subsequently increase as well for all size wind turbines (potentially generate more than 10 MW). Ultimately, the renewal of the PTC will single-handedly help fund technology advancements for wind turbines providing us with a bright future. In terms of economic competition with other energy sources, it appears that wind energy will have the advantage over coal power, while still be at a disadvantage against natural gas. Unless natural gas begins to be exported from the United States, natural gas combined cycle plants will remain economically more viable than wind power both in terms of upfront costs and LCOG. Besides natural gas, wind energy should have the leg up economically over any other energy source. As mentioned earlier, the levelized cost of generation for wind power is approximately equal to that for coal power without carbon capture. With impending carbon taxes and regulations over the next 20 years, it is safe to assume that wind power will continue to become cheaper, while coal will begin to be phased out. Wind energy does not have direct competition with oil currently, but the development of electric and hybrid vehicles will cause wind energy to provide a cheaper energy source in the transportation industry. Also, with respect to other renewable and non-carbon emitting energies, wind energy should have the leg up
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