This peer-reviewed analysis is one of a series of Technology Assessments of power production and evaluates the role of wind power in the future energy portfolio of the U.S. Wind power is evaluated with respect to resource base, growth potential, environmental profile, costs, barriers, risks, and expert opinions. Wind can be an important energy resource for the U.S., but as its contribution to total U.S. electricity generation increases, it will require a significant amount of fossil resources for backup power to maintain grid reliability. Wind power has exhibited significant growth over the last decade, but most of this growth was made possible through financial incentives such as temporary renewable energy tax credits. Technology advances that result in lower project costs and energy storage devices that enable better power reliability remain crucial research and development areas for the long-term integration of wind power.