American Wind Energy Association

1501 M St. NW, , Suite 1000 , Washington, Washington, D.C., United States | Wind

Wind power captures the natural wind in our atmosphere and converts it into mechanical energy then electricity. People started using wind power centuries ago with windmills, which pumped water, ground grain, and did other work.

What is a wind turbine?

Today's wind turbine is a highly evolved version of a windmill. Most wind turbines have three blades and sit atop a steel tubular tower, and they range in size from 80-foot-tall turbines that can power a single home to utility-scale turbines that power hundreds of homes.

How do wind turbines work?

Modern wind turbines harness wind's kinetic energy and convert it into electricity.

What is wind power?

Wind power captures the natural wind in our atmosphere and converts it into mechanical energy then electricity. People started using wind power centuries ago with windmills, which pumped water, ground grain, and did other work. Today's wind turbine is a highly evolved version of a windmill. Modern wind turbines harness wind's kinetic energy and convert it into electricity. Most wind turbines have three blades and sit atop a steel tubular tower, and they range in size from 80-foot-tall turbines that can power a single home to utility-scale turbines that power hundreds of homes. Learn more about the history of wind energy.

Wind is a type of renewable energy, and there are three major types of wind power.

The major types of wind power are:

    • Utility-scale windwind turbines larger than 100 kilowatts are developed with electricity delivered to the power grid and distributed to the end user by electric utilities or power system operators;
    • Distributed or 'small' wind, which uses turbines of 100 kilowatts or smaller to directly power a home, farm or small business as it primary use;
    • Offshore wind, which are wind turbines erected in bodies of water around the world, but not yet in the United States.

Our Core Values

Unwavering Integrity

Everyone at OPT has the power to influence our company’s reputation. Never allow anything or anyone to compromise our commitment to integrity, and always conduct ourselves ethically.  Recognize that just because something is legal, it does not mean that it is the right thing to do.

Safety as a Priority

Safety is first in our workplace.  Demand a safe work environment before anything else.  Embrace safety as a personal responsibility, and always look out for fellow colleagues.  Be proud of where we work, and seek to continuously improve it.

Fanatical External Focus

Customers are the single most important stakeholders in our business.  Be responsive, results-oriented, and accountable.  Demonstrate a fanatical focus on delivering on commitments and continue to honor our customers.

Fixate on Execution

Be infectious with curiosity, and contagious with desire to continuously learn and improve.  Have impact every day.  Find new ways to share our expertise.  Communicate clearly and frequently.  Do what needs to be done, and hold each other accountable for execution and results.  Never say 'it cannot be done“.  Instead, use our collective innovation to find a path to success.

Put the Team First

Teamwork denotes a responsibility and a commitment to something larger than one’s self. Value inclusiveness and open collaboration as the means to achieve our goals.  Be transparent with our knowledge and expertise, and be brutally honest with the highest level of respect.  Recognize the need for work/life balance.  Inspire trust within our team which promotes continuous learning and improvement. 

Be Courageous

Overcome our fear of failure through optimism and perseverance.  Exercise versatility, flexibility, and clear thinking in the wake of uncertainty.  Be adaptable.  Demonstrate courage in every challenge and in every decision.

Company Details
Company NameAmerican Wind Energy Association
Business CategoryWind
Address1501 M St. NW,
Suite 1000
Washington
Washington, D.C.
United States
ZIP: 20005
PresidentTom Kiernan
Year Established1974
Employees200
MembershipsNA
Hours of OperationNA

Similar Companies