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May 8, 2008 – Vol.13 No.7 American Wind Energy Association (AWEA): U.S. Wind Industry Installs 1,400 MW in First Quarter. The uncertainty over the extension of Federal production tax credit (PTC) for wind power has pushed new installations – valued at approximately $3 billion – at a breakneck pace. “ While 2008 is shaping up to be another great year,” commented AWEA Executive Director Randall Swisher, “ we could see a very different story in 2009 as uncertainty looms over investment in wind power projects and manufacturing due to continuing delay in extending the production tax credit (PTC). The PTC is the primary federal incentive for wind power, and expires at the end of the year along with incentives for other renewable electricity sources.” The new wind power facilities installed this quarter span 10 states and bring total U.S. wind power capacity to over 18,000 MW, or enough to serve the equivalent of 5 million homes. Texas added over half this new capacity and now has well over 5,000 MW installed. Over 4,000 MW of projects are now also under construction nationwide. In 2007, new wind power facilities made up close to 35 percent of the entire new power generating capacity added in the US.
AWEA also reports an increase in the share of US-made wind turbine components – from less than 30 percent to approximately 50 percent – in three years. Prior to 2005, AWEA estimates that less than a third of components were manufactured domestically. But the relatively stable availability of the PTC since August 2005 has allowed US - based supply chain providers to begin establishing a much stronger foundation of domestic manufacturing for turbine components, which range from towers and blades to gearboxes, bearings, and electrical and electronic components. AWEA estimates that, by the end of 2008, approximately half of turbine components for turbines installed in the U.S. will be produced domestically. In 2007 and early 2008, at least 17 manufacturing facilities have been brought online or expanded in the U.S., creating over 4,000 jobs and $500 million in manufacturing investment. The AWEA is the national trade association of the U.S. wind energy industry. (5/8/08)
Links: List of projects and manufacturing facilities added in the first quarter of 2008 List of existing and under construction projects
Related: European Wind Energy Association (EWEA): Global Wind Installations Pass 100 Gigawatts.
Disclaimer, Forward-Looking or Safe Harbor Statement on original press release: No
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