Texas tops all states in new wind energy

Jul 31, 2009

Austin Business Journal

Texas ranks first in new wind power generating capacity, according to the second quarter market report from the American Wind Energy Association. The state added 454 megawatts in the second quarter 2009, bringing Texas’ capacity to more than 8,000 megawatts.

According to the association, 1,210 megawatts of new wind power generating capacity have been added nationwide, enough to power 350,000 homes.

“The numbers are in, and while they show the industry has been swimming upstream, adding some 4,000 megawatts over the past six months, the fact is that we could be delivering so much more,” association CEO Denise Bode said. “Our challenge now is to seize the historic opportunity before us to unleash this entrepreneurial force and build up an entire new industry here in the U.S. that will create jobs, avoid carbon and strengthen our energy security. To achieve that, Congress and the administration must pass a national renewable electricity standard with strong early targets.”

Iowa was second, followed by Missouri, Washington and California.

In terms of growth, Texas was fifth, with a 6 percent increase in wind capacity in the second quarter. The state posting the fastest growth in the second quarter was Missouri, where wind power installations expanded by 90 percent.