Seven states in particular are driving US wind energy capacity, says the American Wind Energy Association
New renewables accounted for 72% of all power expansion last year – with solar and wind making up 90% of the additions
US wind energy capacity continues to grow as the country’s latest installation of 612 megawatts (MW) brings its total to more than 90 gigawatts (GW), according to a new report.
The American Wind Energy Association‘s research showed this is set to increase at an exponential rate, with a further 38GW under construction or in advanced stages of development today.
According to the national trade organisation, there are more than 54,000 fully functional wind turbines now operating across 41 states in the US, as well as Guam and Puerto Rico.
Chief executive Tom Kiernan said: “The wind is always blowing in the US and the latest wind turbine technology helps affordably and reliably put more of that natural resource to work.
“With projects underway in over 30 states, wind is rapidly expanding as a major source of American energy, good jobs and clean air.”
US wind energy capacity spurred by seven key states
The US Wind Industry Third Quarter 2018 Market Report shows seven states in the US are pushing the increase in wind energy and are on course to double their capacity: Arkansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota, Wyoming, Maryland and Massachusetts
The third quarter of 2018 also saw the first orders for turbines of over 4MW, a significant increase over the average turbine size in 2017 was 2.32MW.
It’s a trend tied to the growing tendency among large US corporate to purchase renewable energy of all types, as its price continues to fall.
Most recently, Walmart signed a deal to procure 233MW of wind power from EDP Renewables.
The retail giant paid an undisclosed amount for stakes in three wind farms developed, owned and operated by the renewable energy company, and located across Illinois and Indiana.
Walmart vice-president of energy Mark Vanderhelm said: “Walmart has a goal to be supplied by 100% renewable energy and sourcing energy from wind farms developed by partners like EDP Renewables is a core component in the mix.
“Wind energy is an important part of our energy portfolio, and Walmart plans to continue our efforts to pursue renewable energy projects that are right for our customers, our business, and the environment.”