U.S. Wind Industry Continues to Expand

By CnAgri2012-11-01 19:10:46 Print

The U.S. wind industry is experiencing its strongest year in history--so finds a new report from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).

According to AWEA's Third Quarter 2012 Market Report, U.S. wind power capacity increased significantly in 2012--up 40% compared to 2011. Overall, wind capacity installations increased to 51,630 megawatts (MW)--enough to power 13 million American homes and businesses.

On the local level, Texas leads the nation in new wind capacity with 1,291 MW added. Other states rounding out the top five include California (1,022 MW), Kansas (836 MW), Oklahoma (734 MW), and Iowa (597 MW). With impressive gains across the country, the United States solidifies its place as a major player in the global wind industry--representing more than 20% of the world's installed wind power.