The Progress of Wind Power (image from ellenm1 on Flickr)

U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chu released new statistics showing the progress of wind power.  Last year, 42% of all new electricity was generated by wind.

Other wind power statistics are also very impressive.  In Texas, 7,118 megawatts of wind capacity was installed, leading the nation in new electricity from wind.  Next is Iowa, with 2791 megawatts, and California, with 2517 megawatts.  Overall, seven U.S. states have the capacity to generate over 1,000 megawatts from wind energy.

(To put this into perspective, a megawatt is the measure for one million watts.  A typical household uses 8,900 kilowatt-hours of energy per year.  Since a kilowatt is one thousand watts, a megawatt is 1,000 times more energy.  A single megawatt theoretically can power 8,900 homes)

All of this new electricity from wind (8,558 megawatts in total) provide a needed boost to the economy.  Approximately 8,400 wind jobs have resulted – showing that renewable energy investment indeed leads to green jobs.  In fact, the American Wind Energy Association estimates that half the components required to manufacture wind turbines are made right here in the U.S.A.

Wind power statistics are impressive

photo credit: 416style

The United States leads the world with respect to added capacity.  The progress of wind power is impressive on an international scale, particularly given that this is the fourth year in a row that our nation has held the fastest growing wind power market.  In 2008, the U.S. surpassed Germany with respect to new electricity from wind; it now has about 30% of the global wind market.

Describing the $16 billion government investment in wind energy, Secretary Chu stated:

“Wind energy will be a critical factor in achieving the President’s goals for clean energy, while supporting news jobs.  While the United States leads the world in wind energy capacity, we have to continue to support research and development to expand renewable energy deployment.”

While these wind power statistics are encouraging, we need to continue the progress of wind power.  Renewable energy tax credits and incentives help defray the costs, but localities and even individuals should consider ways to encourage wind power installations at the local, grassroots level.  Whether streamlining the permitting process, or simply educating consumers about the need to switch from fossil-fuel based energy, you can help make next year’s numbers even more impressive than those in 2008.

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