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U.S. Wind Industry Reports Continuing Growth in First Quarter of 2011 by Gary Chittim Clean Edge News, April 29, 2011

America's wind power industry installed 1,100 MW of new capacity in the first quarter of 2011 and entered the second quarter with another 5,600 MW under construction, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) reported recently. The under-construction figure is nearly twice the megawatts that the industry reported at this time in both 2009 and 2010; moreover, two-thirds of those megawatts are already locked in under long-term power purchase agreements with electric utilities, indicating an enduring industry that has proven strong through a range of economic and policy conditions. The total wind fleet now stands at 41,400 MW--producing enough clean energy to supply 10 million American homes.

The first quarter's 1,100 MW of new capacity came online in 12 different states, with some seeing double-digit growth. U.S. states with the most capacity additions so far include: Minnesota (293 MW), Washington (252 MW), Illinois (240 MW), Idaho (119 MW), and Nebraska (81 MW). Of the 5,600 MW currently under construction, one third is located in Oregon, Washington and California, making the West Coast a leader in wind project activity. "States continue to lead the nation with clear, strong policies," said Elizabeth Salerno, AWEA's chief economist. "For example, 10 years ago, California led the nation with 60 percent of U.S. wind capacity. With the recent passage of the strongest renewable target in the nation--calling for 33 percent renewables by 2020--California is poised to retake its leadership, as it already had over 600 MW under construction in the first quarter."