Wind energy report holds hope for Arkansas economy

A report suggesting growth in the global wind turbine repair industry could be good news for an emerging wind energy manufacturing sector in Arkansas.

Dallas-based Lucintel reports that the global wind turbine maintenance, repair, and overhaul services (MRO) market is expected to reach a value of $9.1 billion by 2013, up significantly over the $3.9 billion in 2008. The wind MRO market includes maintenance, repair and overhaul of wind blades, generators, gear boxes and other turbine components, according to Lucintel.

“With the wide range of wind industry participants, from niche players to large power utilities, the need for a structured and reliable business model to meet the servicing needs of wind turbine operators has developed,” noted the Lucintel report.

In addition to the Lucintel report, the American Wind Energy Association reported Dec. 29 that wind power developments in 2008 are on pace to be the second-largest source of new U.S. power generating capacity for five consecutive years.

Arkansas in the past 18 months has landed four major wind-energy component manufacturers: LM Glasfiber, Polymarin Composites, and Wind Water Technology in Little Rock; and Nordex USA in Jonesboro. Combined announced employment at the four locations was more than 2,100.

However, LM Glasfiber announced Jan. 6 layoffs of 150 at its new windmill blade manufacturing plant in Little Rock. Officials with the Danish company announced in July 2007 they would build the plant in Little Rock, and opened it in October 2008, employing about 630 at the time. The company cited project delays resulting from the global credit crunch.