The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) released its Fourth Quarter 2015 Market Report this week showing the industry had the second strongest quarter ever. During the fourth quarter alone, the American wind industry installed 5,001 megawatts (MW). That’s more than all the installations of wind farms in 2014. For all of 2015, the industry installed 8,598 MW which is a 77 percent increase over 2014. That’s enough to be the third largest amount ever installed in a year.
The report also indicates the near future should be a strong one for the wind generation industry because Congress extended the Production Tax Credit. So far this year, 9,400 MW were under construction.
“The data released today show 2016 presents an extraordinary opportunity for American wind power,” said American Wind Energy Association Chief Executive Officer Tom Keirnan. “The time has never been better for states and utilities to lock in low-cost, stably-priced wind energy to achieve their Clean Power Plan carbon reductions. Wind energy is on track to supply 20 percent of the country’s electricity by 2030.”
Oklahoma just passed 5,000 MW installed according to the report.
“Oklahoma has done a tremendous job of positioning the state as a competitive and attractive market for the wind industry to invest, and the benefits have been significant,” said Enel Green Power North America Vice President Stephen Pike. “For many Oklahoman communities, especially those located in rural parts of the state, wind has been a key pillar of economic development and, as a global investor, Enel Green Power is proud to call Oklahoma home and to play a significant role in the state’s energy economy.”
