The U.S. wind energy industry installed 5,244 megawatts in 2007, expanding the nation’s total wind power generating capacity by 45 percent in that single calendar year, according to a report from the American Wind Energy Association. The new projects created investment of more than $9 billion into the nation’s economy and accounted for approximately 30 percent of new power-producing capacity. More than 34 states now use wind power. The organization’s report estimates that wind farms will generate approximately 48 billion kilowatt-hours of wind energy in 2008, accounting for just over 1 percent of total U.S. electric supply. The report names Texas as the largest wind-power producer, followed by California, Minnesota, Iowa, and Washington. To access the full report, click here.
