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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

AWEA Report: Wind Energy Industry Expanding On All Fronts

A new American Wind Energy Association report indicates that despite a slowdown in wind turbine manufacturing, the wind energy industry is gaining ground on all facets from business opportunities to clean air goals.

4/15/2010
A new American Wind Energy Association report indicates that despite a slowdown in wind turbine manufacturing, the wind energy industry is gaining ground on all facets from business opportunities to clean air goals.

According to the report 10 new U.S. manufacturing facilities came online in 2009, 20 were announced, and nine facilities were expanded. The largest category was wind turbine sub-components, such as bearings, electrical components and hydraulic systems.

In all, the U.S. wind energy industry opened, announced or expanded over 100 facilities in the past three years (2007- 2009), bringing the total of wind turbine component manufacturing facilities now operating in the U.S. to over 200.

The industry installed over 10,000 MW of new wind power generating capacity in 2009, the largest year in U.S. history. GE Energy remains the leader in U.S. wind turbine sales; NextEra Energy Resources continues to lead in wind farm ownership and Xcel Energy continues to lead utilities in wind power usage.

At the same time, however, more companies are now active in each of these areas, showing that the wind energy market is diversifying as it expands.

This year's report features new categories for offshore wind power and educational and training programs, as well as expanded information under previously existing categories such as manufacturing and project updates.

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