Facts and figures from the American Wind Energy Association conference
Wind project developers and operators were the dominant force at this year's American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) conference, representing 18% of the record 5000 delegates and 292 exhibitors. Component suppliers at 16% were the second largest group followed by consulting companies (12%), wind turbine makers (8%) and construction/transport companies (7%). Just 13% of the total came from outside the United States, with representation from 46 countries in total. After the US, Canada fielded 6% of delegates while 1.5% came from Germany, the UK, Spain, China and Denmark all accounted for 1%. As for the US breakdown, host state Pennsylvania fielded 12% of delegates, while California accounted for 11%, Texas for 8.5%, New York for 8%, Illinois and Ohio both represented 5.5%, Massachusetts accounted for 4.5%, Minnesota was at 4% and Oregon was at 3.5%. No other state accounted for as much as 3% of the US contingent. Men still dominate the wind industry, representing an overwhelming 87% of those present. The figure, says AWEA, is virtually unchanged from a year ago. Being female has its advantages, however. In the micro world of a wind power convention, it the men that wait in line for the rest room.