“Wind energy is providing new electricity supplies that work for our country’s economy, environment, and energy security,” says AWEA Executive Director Randall Swisher. “With its current performance, wind energy is demonstrating that it could rapidly become an important part of the nation’s power portfolio.”
A megawatt of wind power generates enough to serve 250 to 300 average homes.
According to AWEA, the record growth in wind power is driven by demand for the popular energy source and concerns over fuel price volatility and supply, as well as a timely renewal of the production tax credit (PTC). Previously, the credit had been allowed to expire three times in seven years, and this uncertainty discouraged investment in wind turbine manufacturing in the country. AWEA is calling for a long-term extension of the PTC before its scheduled expiration at the end of 2007 to avoid further “on-again-off-again”cycles and encourage long-term investment.
AWEA is the national trade association of the U.S. wind energy industry. The association's membership includes turbine manufacturers, wind project developers, utilities, academicians, and interested individuals. More information on wind energy is available at the ASEA Web site.
