US Wind farm development hits record-high in second quarter

Wind farm development hit record levels in the second quarter of 2019, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). A record 41,801 megawatts (MW) of U.S. wind capacity is currently under construction or in advanced stages of development, AWEA’s U.S. Wind Industry Second Quarter 2019 Market Report said. That represents a 10 percent increase over the level of activity this time last year. Further, the wind project pipeline grew 7 percent in the second quarter with 7,290 MW in new construction and advanced development activity. “American wind power’s record growth continues to accelerate with over 200 wind farm projects underway in 33 states,” AWEA CEO Tom Kiernan said. “Our industry’s success strengthens the U.S. economy because access to affordable, clean American wind power is a competitive advantage in the eyes of business leaders. And when those businesses invest in U.S. wind energy, it directly benefits the people living and working in our country’s farm, factory, and port communities.” Overall, U.S. wind capacity is 97,960 MW, with more than 57,000 wind turbines operating in 41 states and two U.S. territories. American wind farms now produce enough electricity to power over 30 million average homes and provide more than 20 percent of the electricity in six states.