AWEA: U.S. Wind Energy Installations Surpass 20,000 MW
September 11, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS
The U.S. wind industry raced past the 20,000 megawatt (MW) installed capacity milestone, achieving in two years what had previously taken more than two decades the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) said (the 10,000-MW mark was reached in 2006).
Wind now provides 20,152 MW of electricity generating capacity in the U.S., producing enough electricity to serve 5.3 million American homes.
According to AWEA, the 20,000 MW of wind power installed in the U.S. can generate as much electricity every year as 28.7 million tons of coal or 90 million barrels of oil.
Wind generation currently displaces 34 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to taking 5.8 million vehicles off the road.
A U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) study found that wind could provide 20% of U.S. electricity by 2030. At that level, wind power would support 500,000 jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions as much as taking 140 million vehicles off the road.
The U.S. is now the world leader in wind electricity generation. While Germany has more generating capacity installed (about 23,000 MW), the U.S. is producing more electricity from wind because of its much stronger winds.
AWEA expects over 7,500 MW of new wind capacity to be added in 2008, expanding America's wind energy fleet by 45% and bringing total U.S. capacity to 24,300 MW.
Although 20,000 MW is an important milestone, wind power provides just over 1.5% of the nation's electricity, far below the potential identified by experts. Still, it is one of the fastest-growing electricity sources, providing 35% of the total new capacity added in 2007 (second only to natural gas). The U.S. had 1,000 MW of wind power installed by 1985; 2,000 MW by 1999; and 5,000 MW by 2003.
According to the DOE 20% Wind Energy by 2030 report, wind power is capable of becoming a major contributor to America's electricity supply over the next two decades. As an inexhaustible domestic resource, wind strengthens the U.S.'s energy security, improves the quality of the air, slows climate change and revitalizes rural communities, said AWEA.
"Wind energy installations are well ahead of the curve for contributing 20% of the U.S. electric power supply by 2030 as envisioned by the U.S. Department of Energy," said AWEA Executive Director Randall Swisher.
"However, the looming expiration of the federal renewable energy production tax credit (PTC) less than four months from now threatens this spectacular progress. The PTC has been a critical factor in wind's very rapid growth as a part of the nation's power portfolio." The PTC is currently set to expire at the end of 2008.
Source: American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).