U.S. Wind Power Capacity Surges

U.S. wind energy grew dramatically over 2011, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Energy. As of the end of 2011, the United States can produce 50,000 megawatts of wind power, which is enough to power 13 million homes every year.

The United States strongly increased its use of wind power in 2011, according to a report released August 14 by the Department of Energy. During 2011, wind power represented a remarkable 32 percent of all new U.S. electric capacity additions, and accounted for $14 billion in new investment.

The United States is also increasing its role as a manufacturer of equipment, including turbines, towers, blades, gears and generators, the report said. Nearly 70 percent of the equipment installed at U.S. wind farms in 2011 was from domestic manufacturers, doubling from 35 percent in 2005. Recent technical innovations allow for larger wind turbines with longer, lighter blades, which improve efficiency.

The growth is evident in the 6,800 megawatts of new wind power capability added during 2011. At the end of 2011, the U.S. produced enough wind power to run 13 million homes every year, or all homes in Nevada, Colorado, Wisconsin, Virginia, Alabama and Connecticut combined. Wind power is becoming competitive with other wholesale power sources, the report said.

President Obama has said that clean, renewable wind energy is a critical part of the overall U.S. energy strategy.