United States wind power generation up significantly in 2007

Investments in United States wind power totaled $9 billion and accounted for 30% of all new installed power generation capacity during 2007. Comparing that to number to 2006 , when only $4 billion was spent and the industry underwent 20% growth, these numbers are quiet impressive. The AWEA however seems to forecast that for 2008 growth will be remain flat, mainly due to supply side problems.

AWEA Executive Director Randall Swisher said “This is the third consecutive year of record-setting growth, establishing wind power as one of the largest sources of new electricity supply for the country,” “This remarkable and accelerating growth is driven by strong demand, favorable economics, and a period of welcome relief from the on-again, off-again, boom-and-bust, cycle of the federal production tax credit (PTC) for wind power.”

“But the PTC and tax incentives for other renewable energy sources are now in danger of lapsing at the end of this year—and at the worst moment for the U.S economy,” added Swisher. “The U.S. wind industry calls on Congress and the President to quickly extend the PTC—the only existing U.S. incentive for wind power—in order to sustain this remarkable growth along with the manufacturing jobs, fresh economic opportunities, and reduction of global warming pollution that it provides.”

According to the AWEA also the leading states in terms of installed capacity are:

Texas - 4356 MW

California - 2439 MW

Minnesota - 1299 MW

Iowa - 1273 MW

Washington - 1163 MW

For additional information:

http://www.awea.org/

http://www.awea.org/newsroom/releases/AWEA_Market_Release_Q4_011708.html