The United States House of Representatives this week passed legislation that would initiate a US$1 billion program to make wind turbines more efficient and reliable

Wind power currently makes up only about two percent of the nation’s electricity portfolio, but the U.S. Department of Energy has predicted that wind could provide 20 percent of U.S. electricity supplies by 2030, with the development of more efficient and cheaper turbines. Representative Paul Tonko of New York sponsored the bill, saying that more research is needed to overcome the “many significant technical issues” facing wind-generated electricity. Tonko’s bill would provide up to US$200 million annually over five years to fund the development of low-cost transportable towers and larger, lighter and more affordable blade materials. According to the article, Tonko said the “…initiative could leverage nanoscience research by businesses and research institutions that are working at the molecular level to create lighter and more durable materials.” The legislation passed by a unanimous voice vote. The article can be viewed online at the link below.

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The original article may still be available at www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/09/MN9119KRFA.DTL