Wind's Boom And Bust

Wind's Boom And Bust

Mar 16 - Electric Perspectives

Wind power experienced a nearly record-breaking year in terms of growth in capacity last year.

Nearly 1,687 megawatts (MW) of new wind capacity-enough to serve the electricity needs of approximately 425,000 average homes-were installed in 2003, according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). Current installed capacity in the United States is now over 6,370 MW, with utility-scale wind turbines installed in 30 states.

That performance might not be matched in 2004, however, due to Congress's inability to get comprehensive energy legislation passed, including a three-year extension of the wind energy production tax credit. The credit expired on December 31, 2003, leading to layoffs, stalled projects, and a negative near-term market outlook, says AWEA.

Over the last five years, U.S. wind capacity has expanded at an annual average rate of 28 percent. "The record in 2001 and 2003 shows that the wind industry can ramp up quickly to meet the nation's power needs," said Randall Swisher, AWEA executive director. "Our members tell us that 2004 could have been an even better year than 2003 had the [production tax credit] extension in the energy bill gone into effect."

Other items of note:

* New wind capacity will displace emissions of 3 million tons of carbon dioxide.

* Oklahoma, Illinois, and Ohio saw the first installations of large-scale wind turbines.

* Both Spanish turbine manufacturer Gamesa and Indian manufacturer Suzlon installed their first machines in the United States, in Minnesota.

* Minnesota added the most new wind power (226 MW) of any state in 2003, behind only California and Texas in terms of total capacity.