Dependence of wind energy on electric utility in the U.S.

The wind power sector in the US is poised to see increased growth as concerns over the consumption of non-renewable energy resources and climate change intensify. While wind power systems produce near-zero emissions during operation, a significant amount of energy required for their production comes from carbon emitting energy sources. The embodied carbon (EC) of wind systems varies depending on the geographical region in which these systems are produced. This paper suggests that certain regions of the U.S. are better suited for the production of wind systems because the energy supplied to industry by utilities has a higher proportion of low carbon fuel sources.