U.S. Wind Energy Capacity Reaches 10,000 MW

Aug 16, 2006 2:34 PM

U.S. wind energy installations now exceed 10,000 MW in generating capacity, and produce enough electricity on a typical day to power the equivalent of over 2.5 million homes, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) announced today.

"Wind energy is providing new electricity supplies that work for our country's economy, environment, and energy security," said AWEA Executive Director Randall Swisher. "With its current performance, wind energy is demonstrating that it could rapidly become an important part of the nation's power portfolio."

As the U.S. wind energy advances beyond the 10,000-MW level, AWEA released several figures and statistics to illustrate some of the economic, environmental, and energy security benefits of wind power development.

For example, according to the release, wind energy was the second-largest source of new power generation in the country in 2005 after natural gas. It is likely be so again in 2006, according to the Energy Information Administration.

The release also stated America’s wind resource potential is vast—theoretically more than twice enough to meet current U.S. electricity supply needs. President Bush said earlier this year that wind could meet 20% of the country’s electricity supply (the share that nuclear power provides today).

The full release and figures are viewable on the AWEA web site.