Last week the AWEA published the wind power rankings 2006, showing a prosperous growth. In 2006 the US wind energy industry invested about 4 billion dollar, making wind power one of the largest sources of new power generation in the US. Total installed wind power capacity is now over 11,600 MW, providing the equivalent of the yearly demand of three million households. At present, the US ranks third in the world, behind Germany and Spain.

In Texas 2,768 MW is installed, with another 1000 MW in the pipeline. California is runner-up with 2,361 MW. Iowa is third with 936 MW. GE is still the largest producer (1146 MW installed), while Siemens (573 MW) and Vestas (465 MW) are second and third. Also in 2006 the world’s largest wind farm was opened: 735 MW in the Horse Hollow Wind Energy Center located near Abilene, Texas (picture).

The prosperous growth is providing many benefits, as AWEA states in a press release: “New jobs, more local revenue, cleaner air, and an essential, home-grown contribution to meeting the challenge of global warming.” But AWEA warns that a long-term extension of the renewable energy production tax credit (PTC) is crucial to sustain this growth. “Previous short-term extensions have led to a boom-and-bust cycle in the wind industry, increasing costs along the entire supply chain and preventing businesses from growing to their full potential.”

http://www.awea.org/newsroom/releases/Annual_US_Wind_Power_Rankings_041107.html