1/11/2010
Kansas Wind Energy
Supply Chain Survey Results Now Available
Survey conducted to assess state’s wind industry, serve as tool for businesses,
policymakers
Results of the Kansas Wind Energy Supply Chain Survey, which is designed to
measure the state’s wind energy capabilities and guide future wind initiatives,
are now available at
www.kansaswindindustry.com, officials announced today.
Initiated in August 2009, the survey solicited data from organizations in the
wind industry supply chain and those looking to enter the market. The survey
captures information such as capabilities, barriers to entry and workforce
issues. Survey results will: 1) allow the Kansas Department of Commerce and the
Advanced Manufacturing Institute at Kansas State University to compile a
resource directory of supply chain companies and organizations and 2) serve as a
guide for state leaders and policymakers as they work to advance the state’s
wind energy industry.
The survey was coordinated by a partnership of the Kansas Department of
Commerce, Advanced Manufacturing Institute, Climate and Energy Project,
Blue-Green Alliance and American Wind Energy Association.
“We’re excited to see this first wave of results from our Kansas Wind Energy
Supply Chain Survey,” said Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson. “These results give
us a great overview of the state’s wind energy capabilities and will help us
focus our efforts and resources as we seek to make Kansas a wind energy leader. This report will serve as a resource directory – a
phonebook, really – for wind-related businesses to research and contact each
other, and it will also serve as an incredibly useful guide for state leaders
involved in growing the state’s wind industry.”
The survey results were compiled just in time for the Kansas Wind Supply Chain
Workshop, which will take place Jan. 14 from 1–5 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency in
Wichita. The workshop is open to all manufacturers seeking
information on the state’s wind energy supply chain and how they might become
part of it. Advance and walk-in registrations will be accepted. Visit
www.kansascommerce.com
for details or to download a registration form.
Companies that haven’t completed the Kansas Wind Energy Supply Chain Survey are
still encouraged to do so at
www.kansaswindindustry.com.
.
Partner organizations
Kansas Department of Commerce
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of
Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve
prosperity in Kansas.
Under the leadership of Secretary of Commerce Bill Thornton, the Department
comprises a variety of programs and services that create jobs, attract new
investment, provide workforce training, encourage community development and
promote the state as a wonderful place to live, work and play. Visit
www.KansasCommerce.com
for details.
Advanced Manufacturing Institute at
Kansas
State University
AMI is a department within the College
of Engineering at Kansas State
University that provides engineering and business services to
manufacturers and entrepreneurs across the state and broader plains region.
AMI’s engineering staff can work directly with manufacturers wishing to enter
the wind industry supply chain, make recommendations on possible components to
be supplied and assess organizations’ overall production system. Visit
www.amisuccess.com for details.
Climate and Energy Project
The Climate and Energy Project supports lively, informed conversations about our
energy future. CEP’s goal is to help halt the Midwest’s
contributions to global warming and climate change. They support the reduction
of greenhouse gas emissions by increasing energy efficiency and developing
renewable energies in a sustainable manner. Visit
www.climateandenergy.org
for details.
Blue Green Alliance
The Blue Green Alliance is a national partnership of labor unions and
environmental organizations dedicated to expanding the number and quality of
jobs in the green economy. With partners USW, Sierra Club, CWA, NRDC, LIUNA,
SEIU, AFT and UWUA, the Blue Green Alliance is uniting 8 million people in
pursuit of good jobs, a clean environment and a green economy. Visit
www.bluegreenalliance.org
for details.
Kansas
Wind Industry Background
Kansas
is ranked third nationally for wind energy potential and has more than 1,000
megawatts of wind generating capacity, which places the state in the top 10
nationally. Projections indicate that by 2030, the state’s power system could
provide 7,000 megawatts for export from wind energy each year.
Located in the heart of the nation’s Wind Corridor, Kansas offers an ideal location for wind turbine manufacturing. The state’s
central location and outstanding transportation infrastructure provide
convenient and economical access to the regions with the greatest wind energy
activity. In May 2009, Siemens Energy selected Hutchinson,
Kan., as the site of the company’s first U.S. nacelle facility. The operation will create nearly 400 jobs and be
the first large-scale wind turbine equipment factory in
Kansas. In December 2009, Tindall Corp. announced plans
to construct a facility in Newton, Kan., to manufacture
concrete base systems for wind turbines that will enable the towers to be
extended to heights that were not previously economically feasible. The facility
will employ 400 workers and create $66 million in capital investment.
For more information, visit
www.kansaswindindustry.com.
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