U.S. WIND GETS BIGGER

There will be plenty more news about US wind development at the upcoming American Wind Energy Association's WindPower 2007 (June 3-6, Los Angeles)

U.S. wind industry to boost capacity: group
May 10, 2007 (Reuters)
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WHO
American Wind Power Association (AWEA), Randall Swisher, Executive Director; US wind energy producers

WHAT
US wind energy is expected to grow 25% in 2007, adding 3000 megawatts of capacity

WHEN
AWEA made its prognostication for 25% growth in 2007 (to over 14,600 megawatts) on May 10. Growth in 2006 was 20%, to 11,600 megawatts.

WHERE
Biggest state producer: Texas (2768 megawatts); second: California (2361 megawatts)

WHY
One megawatt=electricity for 250 – 300 homes; 3000 megawatts=825,000 homes.
Texas expected to grow 1000 megawatts in 2007.
22 states have instituted a “renewable portfolio standard” (RPS) establishing a minimum percent of electricity which must be produced from renewable sources by a specified year and congress is expected to begin the process of creating a national RPS (suggested to be 15% of electricity from renewables by 2020) this year.
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QUOTES
Swisher: "The moment has come for the U.S. government to build on the example set by Texas and many other states, and enact a national RPS as part of any energy legislation it considers this year…"