Clean and plentiful, wind has always been viewed as a viable alternative to conventional energy sources, but harnessing it has not been economically favorable. In recent years, however, technological innovations, including better machine components and overall larger units, have reduced the price per kilowatt-hour to a point at which wind is competitive with coal. Rising costs of conventional energy systems, increased concerns about global climate change and governmental support of alternative energy sources propel further growth.

The irony of wind as a clean, renewable source of energy is that the modern tools used to exploit it are less than sustainable. Researchers are evaluating means to make these tools more efficient and sustainable.

Terry Tremwel, research director of the Supply Chain Management Research Center, and recent graduate Suzanne Ozment studied the complex process of transporting heavy and large components of modern wind machines, some of which stand hundreds of feet tall and have a blade-sweep diameter equal to the length of a football field. Considering the weight and size of machine components, the authors argued that greater reliance on collaborative logistics, including communication and coordination between manufacturers and various transportation groups, will facilitate efficient and sustainable operations and ensure greater profits.

Tremwel and Ozment also emphasized the importance of expanding manufacturing locations in or closer to the United States, where many wind-power projects are happening. Expansion of manufacturing in the Western Hemisphere will reduce costs, streamline logistics and possibly promote wind-power projects in neighboring countries.

"Expanding manufacturing locations closer to the United States will shorten the supply chain," Tremwel said. "It will provide less expensive turbines to the country with the fastest-growing wind energy capacity. It will also allow companies to develop projects in countries where wind energy has not yet become popular."