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Print Edition StoriesThursday, April 8, 2010
Wind energy sector cites growth
By State House News Service
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The nation’s wind power industry grew again last year and is on the verge of “explosive growth” if a national renewable energy standard and other policies are adopted, the American Wind Energy Association said in a report released Thursday morning.
The association claims a national standard will provide long-term certainty about the industry’s prospects, prompting business investment in new wind installations and manufacturing facilities. The new association report found the wind energy industry installed over 10,000 megawatts of new wind power generating capacity in 2009, or as much electricity as three large nuclear power plants provide.
GE Energy remained the leader in U.S. wind turbine sales; NextEra Energy Resources continued to lead in wind farm ownership; and Xcel Energy continued to lead utilities in wind power usage.
In state rankings, Iowa led in the percentage of electricity from wind power (14 percent) while Texas led in wind capacity and in largest wind farms installed. The association also reported growth in manufacturing of turbine sub-components such as bearings, electrical and hydraulic systems.
Federal officials are expected to rule this month on Cape Wind, which would be the nation’s largest offshore wind farm. The project is backed by Gov. Deval Patrick and other renewable energy advocates but strenuously opposed, largely on siting grounds, by many on Cape Cod.
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