The USA saw 1,695MW of wind capacity installed in the first quarter, with 788 additional turbines in 17 states. The 1,695 MW installed brings the total installed wind power capacity in the U.S. to 48,611 MW.
But in spite of the success of the industry and the PTC, policy uncertainty threatens the very future of American wind power. The wind energy industry installed 52 percent more megawatts in the first quarter than it did the same quarter in 2011. Continuing a trend that became evident at the end of last year, under-construction numbers were also exceptionally strong in the first quarter, clocking in at 8,916MW, with 2,284 of that total starting construction just this quarter. Also notable: construction is taking place in 31 states and Puerto Rico.
But in spite of the success of the industry and the PTC, policy uncertainty threatens the very future of American wind power. The wind energy industry installed 52 percent more megawatts in the first quarter than it did the same quarter in 2011. Continuing a trend that became evident at the end of last year, under-construction numbers were also exceptionally strong in the first quarter, clocking in at 8,916MW, with 2,284 of that total starting construction just this quarter. Also notable: construction is taking place in 31 states and Puerto Rico.
