As 2024 draws to a close, Texas stands as the U.S. leader in wind energy, contributing an impressive 28% of the country’s total wind power generation. With more than 40,500 MW of installed capacity and over 16,000 wind turbines in operation, Texas continues to set the pace in renewable energy production. However, with rising energy demands driven by sectors like AI data processing, manufacturing, and Direct Air Capture (DAC) facilities, there is an increasing need for additional wind farms to ensure a robust and sustainable energy mix.
The demand for renewable energy, particularly from emerging industries such as AI and DAC, is expected to surge dramatically between 2025 and 2030. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (IEA) forecasts significant growth, with an additional 44 GW needed to power AI data centers, 11 GW for manufacturing plants, and 2.7 GW for DAC units. This will further drive the installation of new wind farms to meet the energy needs of the country, making wind power a critical component of the U.S. energy landscape.
Sarens has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of renewable energy projects by expanding its operations in Texas. In 2024, Sarens opened two new branches in Odessa and Beaumont, Texas, designed to support the growth of the onshore wind energy sector. These new facilities allow Sarens to provide the essential machinery, technical expertise, and workforce needed to meet the demands of both public and private sector wind energy projects.
As the wind energy industry grows, so too does Sarens’ role in it. The company has long been a key partner in renewable energy projects worldwide, and its new Texas branches are strategically located to offer closer, more direct support to local companies and institutions. Sarens brings to these projects over 60 years of experience and a comprehensive understanding of the specific machinery required for large-scale wind installations and maintenance.
Wind Power’s Record Growth
By the end of 2024, onshore wind energy is expected to become the fourth-largest energy source in the U.S., with an installed capacity of over 153 GW. This marks a 6.5 GW increase over 2023, with wind energy having already outpaced coal in production during March and April of this year. The U.S. now ranks second globally in wind power production, just behind China, which has over 441 GW of installed capacity.
The rapid growth of wind power is indicative of a larger shift toward renewable energy, and with Sarens’ global experience in the wind energy sector, the company is well-positioned to support the continued expansion of this critical industry. From its involvement in major projects such as the Karusa and Soetwater wind farms in South Africa to its recent contributions to the Coastal Virginia offshore wind farm, Sarens has demonstrated its ability to handle large-scale projects with precision and expertise.
Sarens’ commitment to the renewable energy transition is reflected not only in its new Texas branches but also in its track record of supporting large, high-profile wind energy projects worldwide. In South Africa, Sarens was involved in the Karusa and Soetwater wind farms, and in Sweden, the company contributed to the Markbygden farm. Sarens also played a pivotal role in the transportation and installation of offshore wind turbine foundations for the Saint Brieuc farm off the coast of France.
More recently, Sarens contributed to the Coastal Virginia offshore wind farm, where it assisted with the reception and loading of monopiles, transition pieces for 176 turbines, and the jackets and topsides for the offshore substations. This hands-on involvement in large-scale, complex projects highlights Sarens’ expertise in delivering the equipment and services needed for the wind energy sector’s continued expansion.
As the U.S. wind industry continues to grow, Sarens remains committed to supporting its clients with the machinery and technical solutions needed to power the transition to a more sustainable energy future. With the installation of over 80% of the turbines ordered in 2023 expected to be completed by 2025, the demand for Sarens’ services is only set to increase.
With Texas leading the charge and Sarens expanding its footprint, the future of wind energy in the U.S. looks brighter than ever. As the country works toward meeting its renewable energy goals, companies like Sarens are positioned to play a crucial role in driving the industry forward, ensuring that the transition to a sustainable energy future remains on track.
