Wind power to reach 30 percent in four states, according to report

Wind power now provides more than 30 percent of electricity in four states, according to the U.S. Wind Industry Annual Market Report 2017 recently released by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA).

The report on the four states — Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, and South Dakota — was announced by industry leaders in the state capitol in New Mexico, an emerging leader in the wind power sector.

The report also states that wind power generated a record 6.3 percent of U.S. electricity in 2017. The wind power industry employed a record 105,500 men and women in the United States.

“American wind power reached new heights for energy generated and U.S. jobs in 2017. And don’t be surprised when the industry continues to break records,” Tom Kiernan, CEO of AWEA, said. “Wind is competitively priced, reliable, and clean – a winning combination that’s creating economic growth in all 50 states.”

The United States installed 7,017 megawatts (MW) of wind in 2017, increased wind power capacity by nine percent last year and bringing the total of installed wind power to 88,973 MW. Approximately 54,000 wind turbines operate in 41 states, Guam and Puerto Rico.

New Mexico increased its wind power capacity at a faster rate than any other state last year. The state added 570 MW last year, increasing its wind power capacity by 51 percent to 1,682 MW. Wind farms now provide over 13 percent of the state’s electricity generation. The state currently has 1,723 MW under construction or in development.

“With our robust wind and solar resources, New Mexico is at the epicenter of the rapidly growing clean energy economy. As consumers and major companies demand cheaper and cleaner power sources, our state stands to benefit and become an even bigger leader in this booming energy sector — especially in rural communities,” Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) said. “We should be doing everything we can to meet our state’s full potential as a wind energy powerhouse, from building new transmission infrastructure to investing in job training programs. I will keep fighting for policies that move New Mexico’s energy economy forward.”