45% JUMP IN WIND CAPACITY - IN 1 YEAR!

It is important news that the wind energy industry has grown so much so fast. Indeed, the wind industry’s installations accounted for 30% of all new U.S. energy generation built last year, enough to serve 1.5 MILLION homes.

But the real “man bites dog” news is that the U.S. Congress is about to let the production tax credits (PTCs) and Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) that have buoyed New Energy so effectively lapse in favor of sustaining subsidies for the fossil fuels industries. Meanwhile, the American people clamor for New Energy and the economy is screaming for an injection of good news.

Demand for wind energy remains high. Available turbines are sold out for 2008 and new turbine manufacturing capability is rushing into the market. The only thing in doubt is legislative cooperation. Political leaders natter about an economic stimulus package but turn their backs on an economic boom. Who hired these people?

Randall Swisher, Executive Director, (American Wind Energy Association (AWEA): “…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…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.”

Public policy makes a big difference in the growth of New Energy. (click to enlarge)

For information on how to tell elected officials to support incentives for New Energy, see POWER OF WIND.

Installed U.S. Windpower Capacity Surged 45% In 2007; Industry calls prompt extension of federal renewable energy incentive ‘vital’ to sustain momentum, strengthen economy
Christine Real de Azua, January 17, 2008 (American Wind Energy Association)

WHO
U.S. wind energy industry, American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) (Randall Swisher, Executive Director)

WHAT
As detailed in the AWEA Annual Report for 2007, the U.S. wind energy industry upped its total capacity to 16,818 megawatts (MW) last year, increasing total generation 45% over the previous year and adding $9 billion of activity to the U.S. economy.

WHEN
The industry installed 5244 megawatts (MW) of new generation in 2007. 2,930 MW were installed in the 4th quarter of 2007, more than the 2454 MW installed in all of 2006.

A new map with bigger numbers will be available soon. They don't like going to the trouble of making new maps because by the time they do, the numbers are bigger again. (kidding)(click to enlarge)

WHERE
- Wind energy is now generated in 34 states.
- The leading states were Texas (4356 MW), California (2439 MW), Minnesota (1299 MW), Iowa (1273 MW) and Washington (1163 MW).
- See for a state-by-state listing of existing/proposed projects

WHY
- U.S. wind generated 48 billion+ kilowatt-hours in 2008, more than 1% of U.S. electricity.
- Wind protects U.S. consumers from rising power prices even where there is no wind production by cutting demand for natural gas and other fossil fuel supplies.
- Wind is emission free so wherever it is used it reduces climate change pressures. Its 48 billion+ kilowatt-hours in 2008 saved 28 million tons of CO2e emissions.
- Unlike nuclear facilities, coal and natural gas plants, wind requires no extra water in these drought-burdened times.
- 14 or more new manufacturing facilities emerged in 2007. New industry capability is emerging all over the country, despite the economic downturn.
- GE Energy leads turbine sales, with 45% of the new capacity market.
- FPL Energy is the biggest project developer (956 MW in 2007).

Aside from offering living space for the dispossed in the little housings at the tops of turbines, the wind industry couldn't have a more timely message. (click to enlarge)

QUOTES
Randall Swisher, Executive Director, AWEA: “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.”