US wind industry activity approached record levels in the second quarter as utilities and other purchasers locked in record low wind costs. Over 18,200MW of wind power capacity are now under construction or in advanced stages of development, according to the American Wind Energy Association’s (AWEA) U.S. Wind Industry Second Quarter 2016 Market Report.
Utilities announced plans during the second quarter of 2016 to develop and own up to 2,600MW of new wind energy generating capacity. Utilities also disclosed more than 1,80MW of wind Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). The 18,200MW of current activity includes more than 12,450MW of wind projects now under construction, with 3,000MW in new construction announcements during the second quarter, an increase of 23 per cent over the first quarter of 2016. The industry installed 169 wind turbines across four states during the second quarter, representing 310MW of capacity. Texas led the country with 200MW of wind capacity installed, followed by Kansas (72MW), Nebraska (36MW), and a single turbine installation in Iowa. US wind energy is on track to grow from supplying around five per cent of US electricity today to 10 per cent by 2020, and 20 per cent by 2030.
US wind energy investment grows during the second quarter
U.S. wind industry activity approached record levels in the second quarter as utilities and other purchasers locked in record low wind costs. Over 18,200MW of wind power capacity are now under construction or in advanced stages of development, according to the American Wind Energy Association’s (AWEA) U.S. Wind Industry Second Quarter 2016 Market Report. Utilities announced plans during the second quarter of 2016 to develop and own up to 2,600MW of new wind energy generating capacity. Utilities also disclosed more than 1,80MW of wind Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). The 18,200MW of current activity includes more than 12,450MW of wind projects now under construction, with 3,000MW in new construction announcements during the second quarter, an increase of 23 per cent over the first quarter of 2016. The industry installed 169 wind turbines across four states during the second quarter, representing 310MW of capacity. Texas led the country with 200MW of wind capacity installed, followed by Kansas (72MW), Nebraska (36MW), and a single turbine installation in Iowa. US wind energy is on track to grow from supplying around five per cent of US electricity today to 10 per cent by 2020, and 20 per cent by 2030.
