“Stable federal policy is the signal that market developers need.”

Randall Swisher,
American Wind Energy Association (AWEA)

Wind energy’s recent rapid growth in the US market is evidence of its strong economic importance and enormous potential.  The U.S. Department of Energy reported earlier this year that wind could provide 20% of U.S. electricity by 2030.  This would secure 500,000 jobs and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is comparable to taking 40 million vehicles off the road.  Currently over 85,000 people are employed in the wind industry and greenhouse gases comparable to 10 million vehicles have been eliminated.

Despite the economic crisis, the US wind power industry has had another successful year in 2009.  Over 6,000 megawatts of new capacity were installed, which allowed for a 24% increase from the previous year.  Although the US ranks second in new installations, it is the country with the most cumulative installations worldwide.

The U.S. wind energy market is very competitive, attracting new players and providing growth opportunities in all sectors of the industry. Wind industry manufacturing facilities had a very small base in the U.S. in 2005; however, this number has increased to over 170 in 2009. The states with the most cumulative installations are Texas, Iowa, California, and Minnesota.

In order to maintain these successes in the future, the industry must roll up its sleeves to overcome the impacts of the financial crisis and economic downturn.  Thanks to the economic stimulus package enacted by President Obama, which has been in effect since 2008, the wind energy industry can look forward to governmental support and is confident about the upcoming year.

Sources: www.awea.org, U.S. DoE, "2008 Renewable Energy Data Book"