In the past decade, the shift from traditional power plants to renewable energy has been accelerating rapidly, opening up new opportunities in wind energy investments. One of the most inexhaustible sources of renewable energy comes from harnessing the wind. Studies conducted across the globe confirm the enormity of this resource and its potential to meet global electricity demand many times over. A recent collaboration by researchers at Harvard University in the United States and VTT in Finland concluded that “a network of land-based, 2.5 MW turbines, restricted to non-forested, ice-free and non-urban areas, operating at as little as 20% of their rated capacity could supply more than 40 times current worldwide consumption of electricity.”^1.

Both domestically and internationally, wind is one of the fastest-growing sources of renewable energy of our time. Technological advances, efficiency improvements in both turbines and generators, and repowering capabilities of wind power plants have made wind a viable alternative to conventional power plants. Lifecycle electricity generation costs for wind power plants, ideally placed, cost approximately as much as inexpensive coal burning plants. Installed cost per megawatt for wind power is expected to decrease by more than 20% by 2050. This is a result of the continuous technological innovations that are rapidly reducing turbine costs per megawatt; deployment of larger wind farms, which result in lower average infrastructure costs per megawatt; and lower cost of all manufactured components through economies of scale in production. All in all, these advancements have opened the door to increased acceptance and utilization of wind energy systems, and a growth of wind power investment opportunities with manufacturing companies positioned to meet global demand.

Demand for reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, coupled with its economic attractiveness, means that wind power can only continue to grow, and with it unique wind energy investment opportunities. It has been estimated that more than $250 billion will be spent annually on wind power by 2030, with more than 20% in China. Estimates show there should be more than $450 billion spent in China alone in the next 20 years on wind power. Barron Partners recognizes the scalable and cost-effective capabilities of wind power and, as such, makes wind energy investments with those companies that contribute to the established supply chain for the wind industry, paving the way for a carbon-free future.

^1. Xi Lu, M.B. McElroy and J. Kiviluoma: Global potential for wind-generated electricity. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2008. www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.090410110

The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) has reported that wind energy investment is due to rise significantly over the next years - "..strong investments in wind power in 2010, which were up by 31% compared to the previous year, reaching a record level of USD 96 billion. This investment will translate into an increasing level of wind power installations in the coming years." GWEC, 15 March 2011.