If ever a year could be filled with more unknowns, 2012 would be that year. OEMs, developers, manufacturers and suppliers in the wind industry are buckling up for what figures to be an intense roller coaster ride that will rise and fall based on a host of different events slated to take place over the next 12 months.

To stay ahead of the curve, we've polled our knowledge-rich GLWN staff and posed a single question geared to help our readers plan for the coming year: "What's the most important piece of advice you would offer the wind industry supply chain as we enter 2012?"

Here, in no particular order, are their replies. (And note that several individuals replied with more than one piece of advice, citing the importance of several factors that will impact supply chain manufacturers this year.)

"What's the most important piece of advice you would offer the wind industry supply chain as we enter 2012?"

AN SOS FOR THE PTC

"If I could ask members and supporters of GLWN to do one thing in 2012, it would be to send their representative a weekly note urging them to extend the Production Tax Credit (PTC) before the end of this calendar year. Without the extension, there will be so many ramifications to developers, investors, manufacturers, and of course, the U.S. domestic supply chain which has already invested millions to qualify in and supply the wind market. The PTC is an effective tool that encourages development of wind and other clean energy projects. Show your support of advancing and diversifying our energy markets – stand up for the PTC. Go to http://bit.ly/TakeActionPTC for a quick link to your state representative." –Dee Holody, Director, Operations

"The talk in the industry is that we’re in for a VERY busy year for installations. I’ve heard predictions as high as 10 GW, which would match the highest ever for the United States. Already suppliers of some components like towers are reportedly sold out for 2012. The real question is about 2013—and the answer to that revolves around Washington’s renewal of the PTC. What’s needed is something strong enough and soon enough for developers to replenish the project pipeline." –Ed Weston, Executive Director

OFFSHORE IS ON

"Offshore wind is coming and if you are a manufacturer in a coastal state with rail or waterway access to major ports, you should consider (and start planning for) opportunities with large fabrications, castings, forgings, machining and composites. Our next Offshore Wind Workshop will be “Southeastern Coastal Wind Conference” at the Charlotte Convention Center, North Carolina on March 8 & 9, 2012. You will find out more about the manufacturing operations and ports currently in place in Europe. Register at www.secoastalwind.org." –Patrick Fullenkamp, Director, Technical Services

"Many manufacturers may have put wind on the back burner for now, 'waiting until the market looks better.' But don’t be fooled – 'still waters run deep'. It might seem quiet now but there is a lot of activity in offshore wind. In 2012 you will be able find a smorgasbord of Offshore-focused workshops and conferences all along the Atlantic. Visit www.GWLN.org for our calendar of wind events across the country." –Dee Holody

COMPETITIVE INSIGHTS

"If you have a new idea or product for the wind industry that can reduce weight, improve efficiency and reliability, and reduce cost you should be talking to the OEMs and major Tier 1’s. We are seeing more purchasing and engineering interaction domestically and across the waters and new ideas are being considered for new and current models." –Patrick Fullenkamp

"In 2012 GLWN will be expanding our Wind Capabilities Profile to include assessment criteria for the Offshore supply chain. Although similar, offshore wind farms vary greatly in their foundations requirements and the need for specialized vessels for transport, construction and maintenance. Stay tuned! We’ll keep you posted as our Offshore supply chain review revs up." –Dee Holody

"Although U.S. imports of wind energy components outpaced the growth of MW installed in 2011, there are hopeful signs for American manufacturers. Inflation in China ranged between the 5% - 6% level for most of the year, and the Chinese yuan appreciated 4% against the dollar. Taken together, these improve our domestic competitiveness and could help bring orders back home." –Ed Weston

What's your take on the coming year? If you've got advice, information or helpful tips that could benefit our readers, drop a line on the GLWN Facebook page and let's get this year started out on the right foot!