Over 2,500 MW of wind power installed in the second quarter
The U.S. wind industry installed over 2,500 megawatts (MW) of new wind power capacity in the second quarter, despite the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The installations bring the total wind capacity in the United States to 110,000 MW, according to the American Wind Energy Association’s Wind Powers America Second Quarter Report 2020.
“American wind power is immensely proud of its 120,000 workers who have fought to bring additional clean, reliable electricity to American citizens, even in the initial stages of the global pandemic,” AWEA CEO Tom Kiernan said. “This work is more important than ever during these challenging times. As we cap off this year’s American Wind Week, America’s largest source of renewable energy remains committed to building on its 50-state footprint of investment and job creation and to continue adding affordable, clean power to local communities across the country.”
During the second quarter, 14 new wind projects were installed across nine states totaling 2,548 MW. Texas led the way with 810 MW of new wind projects installed in the quarter, followed by Kansas, Colorado, Missouri, and Nebraska. Also, Missouri passed 1,000 MW in total capacity in the second quarter, making it the 20th state to reach that milestone.
Wind power development and construction activity were able to continue during the pandemic, due in part to flexibility from the U.S. Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding tax credit qualification. New federal IRS guidance provides one additional year of safe harbor tax flexibility for near-term projects.
In addition to the completed projects, 25,318 MW were in the process of being built in the quarter, while 18,310 MW were in advanced development. The combined 43,628 MW is a four percent increase from the second quarter of 2019.
There was also a major offshore wind project completed in the quarter, the 12 MW Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project. The project is currently in the testing phase and is scheduled to begin commercial operations later this year. Also, Eversource Energy and United Illuminating signed contracts for the 804 MW Park City Wind offshore project during the second quarter. Offshore wind now represents 21 percent of the current wind power pipeline.
