wind energy

While wind energy is marketed as the future's green energy solution, turbines last only about 20 years, and disposing of their behemoth fiberglass blades is both complicated and costly.

As renewables make up a bigger share of the nation's energy grid, some worry about blackouts when the wind doesn't blow. But grid operators say they're getting better at balancing energy resources.

What happens to workers when an industry collapses or a new technology takes off? NPR brings you stories of people adapting to a changing economy. This week: a former cowboy in the wind industry.

Texas leads the nation in wind energy, while wind turbine technician is the fastest-growing job in the U.S. The industry flourished under former Gov. Rick Perry, Trump's new energy secretary.

There are several reasons the region is lagging in wind energy — including lower wind speeds. But now North Carolina is home to the first large-scale commercial wind farm in the Southeast.

Despite the fossil fuel-friendly cabinet shaping up under President-elect Donald Trump, renewable energy companies aren't as pessimistic as you might think. They say market forces are on their side.

California has so much solar energy that some days, there's too much. One solution is to join forces across state borders. But in the West, that's sparking some not-so-neighborly opposition.

Since 2012, the U.S. has produced more oil and gas than any other country even as solar and wind power have also experienced huge growth.

Congress has extended tax credits for clean energy as part of a $1.8 trillion spending bill. Solar and wind power companies say it will catapult the industry at a time when costs are already falling.

The wind power industry is celebrating a milestone in November: 70 gigawatts of generating capacity. Researchers say that's enough to power 19 million homes.

Rhode Island is trying to have more success than a similar project off the coast of Massachusetts. However some residents worry the farm will disrupt the ocean view.