U.S. Energy Department to push wind power

HOUSTON, June 2 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Energy said Monday it reached an agreement with six turbine-makers to promote and develop wind as a power source.

Working with GE Energy, Siemens Power Generation, Vestas Wind Systems, Clipper Turbine Works, Suzlon Energy and Gamesa Corp., the two-year memorandum of understanding is designed to foster cooperation on current wind power strategies, develop industry standards and advance technical capabilities.

The goal is to have wind power produce 20 percent of the country's electricity needs by 2030, a DOE statement said.

The goals include creating educational curricula for community colleges training programs and for wind power engineers, the statement said.