2008: A Banner Year for Wind Energy

Wind farm near Ellsworth, IL- David B. Vernon eScapesPhoto.com

As our newspapers are filled with gloomy economic report day after day, it is easy to lose sight of the accomplishments we have been able to achieve in the past year. Renewable energy development had a banner year in 2008 elevating the United States to become the largest producer of wind power in the world. Recently, Kathy Belyeu, manager of industry information services at the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) wrote an article in the February 2009 issue of Windletter documenting the remarkable strides we have made.

Some highlights:

"In 2008, the U.S. wind industry activated over 8,300 MW of new capacity, swelling the U.S. cumulative total by 50% to over 25,000 MW."

The new turbines are estimated to produce over 7 billion kWh. The equivalent of the electrical demand of 7 million average US households.

The Capricorn Ridge and Buffalo Gap had phases added in 2008, increasing their total capacity to 662.5 MW and 523.3 MW, respectively.

Aside from these large projects getting larger, smaller community wind farms also achieved a significant rise in capacity. Just like PSP blog's favorite at Bureau Valley High.

"There are now seven states in the "Over-1 [GW] Club," with Colorado and Oregon joining the top five states of Texas, Iowa, California, Minnesota and Washington."

Building on the resounding successes in 2008 will be more difficult in the credit choked atmosphere in 2009. However, future development will by no means cease. As much as 4000 MW of capacity is scheduled to begin construction, due to projects that were delayed in 2008 because the wind energy production tax credit was not continued until the end of the year. The AWEA also believes the stimulus package that was recently passed in Congress will allow additional projects to come on line in 2009.

The numbers may be down in 2009 versus 2008, but progress is still being achieved at a rapid pace.

Article found via RenewableEnergyWorld.com.

More information on the American Wind Energy Association.