U.S. Wind Industry Breezes to New Heights in 2009

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) recently reported a significant expansion of wind power for the U.S. in 2009, as roughly 9,900 megawatts (MW) were added to existing capacity. This 39% jump is the largest on record and brings the country’s total wind capacity to 35,000 MW, representing 2% of electrical generation capacity in the U.S.—enough energy to power approximately 9.7 million homes. According to AWEA, the growth is attributable to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which provides tax and investment incentives for the wind industry. Turbine orders that were placed in 2008 but delivered last year were also cited as a direct cause for the 2009 wind expansion. Despite the recent growth, AWEA stressed the need for long-term policy to combat job losses resulting from a pattern of low orders and high inventory in the first part of 2010.