American wind power's generation shot up 17% last year, and produced more than 10% of the electricity in nine states, up from five states in 2011. Across the country, wind energy produced 3.5% of the nation's electricity during 2012, according to the Energy Information Admiration's (EIA) latest figures.
The growth in wind energy in the USA can also be seen in its increasing role in the generation mix of individual states. Iowa and South Dakota reached generation levels greater than 20% throughout the entire year of 2012. In a total of 14 states, American wind energy provides 5% or more of generation. Iowa was ranked first in wind generation, with 24.5% generation from wind energy. South Dakota was second with 23.9% generation from wind energy. North Dakota ranked third Minnesota closely followed, ranking fourth with over 14% wind energy generation. Kansas, which doubled its installation of wind power during 2012, jumped ahead to number 5 position in wind generation, surpassing the 10% mark, reaching 11.4% generation from wind energy.
The growth in wind energy in the USA can also be seen in its increasing role in the generation mix of individual states. Iowa and South Dakota reached generation levels greater than 20% throughout the entire year of 2012. In a total of 14 states, American wind energy provides 5% or more of generation. Iowa was ranked first in wind generation, with 24.5% generation from wind energy. South Dakota was second with 23.9% generation from wind energy. North Dakota ranked third Minnesota closely followed, ranking fourth with over 14% wind energy generation. Kansas, which doubled its installation of wind power during 2012, jumped ahead to number 5 position in wind generation, surpassing the 10% mark, reaching 11.4% generation from wind energy.
