“Stable federal policy is the signal that market developers need.”

Randall Swisher,
American Wind Energy Association (AWEA)

Wind energy’s recent rapid growth is evidence of its strong economic fundamentals and huge potential.  The U.S. Department of Energy reported earlier this year that wind could provide 20% of U.S. electricity by 2030, supporting 500,000 jobs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions as much as taking 140 million vehicles off the road.

The U.S. wind power industry shattered all previous records in 2007, with 45% growth and over 5,200 megawatts installed. The new capacity will generate 16 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean, cost-effective electricity in 2008 —equivalent to powering more than 1.5 million American homes.

The U.S. led the world in wind power installations for the third year in a row in 2007. Global wind capacity increased by more than 20,000 megawatts (MW), with more than a quarter installed in the U.S.

The U.S. wind energy market is very competitive, attracting new players and providing growth opportunities in all sectors of the industry. Wind industry manufacturing facilities surged from a very small base in the U.S. in 2005 to over 100 in 2007.

With the U.S. wind energy industry posting its fourth record year in a row and rolling up its sleeves to help tackle the impacts of the financial crisis and economic downturn, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) said it looks forward to working with President Barack Obama and Congress on a new energy policy agenda that will encourage continued investment in this affordable, reliable and renewable resource.

Source: awea.org