Jan 15 - PRNewswire WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/

Responding to issues ranging from energy security to global warming, more than 20 States, including California, New York and Texas, have now passed Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards (RPS) which require utilities to generate more "green" power -- and according to experts, the wind energy industry is the major beneficiary.

Big improvements in wind turbine design over the last five years mean wind generated power is competitively priced with traditional fossil-fuels -- making wind the renewable power of choice for utilities scrambling to comply with the new State RPS mandates.

The U.S. wind energy industry is expected to grow at a record pace again in 2008 -- more than 30% according to the Global Wind Energy Council. An online survey of institutional investors in the sector suggests both turbine manufacturers and wind power producers will benefit from the record growth of the industry.

Here's a round-up:

With turbine demand from wind power producers outstripping available supply, GE has amassed a $7 billion turbine sales backlog. UBS rates it a "buy." Zoltek makes the carbon fiber that's used in turbine blades. RBC Capital rates it an "outperform." Jeffries & Co. has a "buy" on American Superconductor which, among its many products, makes devices used to collect energy from wind turbines.

In the power producer group, two diversified utilities, PG&E Corp and Edison are rapidly growing their use of wind power. Credit Suisse has an "outperform" rating on both.

But, the purest play in the power producer sector is NACEL Energy (BULLETIN BOARD: NCEN) . Last week the Wyoming based wind power company announced a major 80 MW expansion (enough energy to supply 25,000 average homes).

Investology gives NACEL a "positive" rating and a $3.07 price target. Research analysts stated the fast growing western U.S. wind developer was undervalued compared to its peers. NACEL closed Friday at $1.01 even.

A Before the Bell (TM) renewable energy update.

Investology is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, CRD number 130408.

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