The wind energy industry is on the forefront of meeting our clean energy demand of the present and future. Presently wind energy is the cleanest and most sustainable energy available and production of wind energy in the US has grown by over 500% since the year 2000. Looking into the future, several countries, as well as many US states, have made commitments to increase their total wind energy production to 20% of their total energy production by the year 2030 and sooner.
U.S. Wind Growth
According to the 2009 AWEA Year End Market Report, the U.S. wind energy industry installed 9,900 megawatts (MW) in 2009, expanding the nation's total wind power generating capacity by 39% in a single calendar year and injecting an investment of over $17 billion into the economy. The new wind projects account for approximately 40% of the entire new power-producing capacity added nationally in 2009. At this time, the nation's wind turbines generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 9.7 million American households annually while strengthening U.S. energy supply with clean, homegrown electric power. |
| Since 2002 the country's installed base of wind turbines has jumped almost sevenfold. 2009 is a record year for wind turbine installations, besting the previous mark in 2008 and bringing a total installed capacity to 35,000 megawatts (MW). Thus far, Texas is the leading state in wind energy production in the U.S. followed by Iowa, California, Washington, and Minnesota. There are many states that have significant potential to join the list, they just need the installation of wind farms. The domestic manufacturing industry for wind turbines continues to rapidly expand and now accounts for approximately 85,000 U.S. jobs. Currently about half of all turbine components are made in the U.S, up from 25% five years ago. Most manufacturers have located their facilities in states with renewable energy targets of which there are currently 29. With a national renewable standard of 20% by 2030 currently under consideration at the federal level, we are currently in a position to ensure the U.S. is at the forefront of renewable energy and U.S. job growth over the next 20 years. |
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