WIND’S 2010 NUMBERS

U.S. wind industry continues growth, despite slow economy and unpredictable policies; AWEA U.S. Wind Industry Annual Market Report for 2010 underscores wind’s affordability as domestic generation source
April 7, 2011 (American Wind Energy Association)

"America’s wind power industry grew by 15% in 2010 and provided 26% of all new electric generating capacity in the United States. With the 5,116 MW added last year, U.S. wind installations now stand at 40,181 MW, enough to supply electricity for over 10 million American homes…

"Statistics from the AWEA U.S. Wind Industry Annual Market Report…reveal that wind continues to be an important player in the nation’s energy sector, with lower costs competitive with other generation sources, and it’s second in new generation capacity only to natural gas…"

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"In addition to wind power’s increased affordability, the 1603 investment tax credit program contributed to new project starts in 2010. On top of new construction starts, 2010 saw new manufacturing as well. A virtuous cycle was in play—manufacturers continued to respond to the demand and set up shop in the U.S. The industry brought 14 new manufacturing facilities online, consistent with 2009…"

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"The U.S. wind market entered 2011 with 5,600 MW under construction—more than twice the megawatts under construction at the start of 2010. The extension of the 1603 tax credit in December 2010 provided a signal to investors to continue growing wind in the U.S., as this strong performance indicates…"

[Denise Bode, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA):] “The American wind industry is delivering, despite competing with energy sectors that have permanent government subsidies in place…[It added] 35% of all new generating capacity since 2007— that’s twice what coal and nuclear added combined…Continued interest and investment by manufacturers in America demonstrates that the U.S. continues to be a global powerhouse for wind development…[W]ind energy is now up to 20,000 manufacturing jobs across 42 states…We remain on track to produce 20% of America’s electricity by 2030 with clean, affordable, homegrown wind power…”