Jan. 29
The U.S. wind energy industry installed a record 8,358 megawatts of new
generating capacity in 2008, enough to serve more than two million homes,
but is uncertain what 2009 will bring due to the ongoing financial crisis.
The 2008 growth increased the nationīs total wind power generating capacity
by 50%, according to the American Wind Energy Association. Iowa surpassed
California as the second largest state in terms of installed capacity with
2,790 megawatts. Texas remained on top with 7,116 megawatts of generation
capacity.
But financing for new projects is up in the air as orders for wind turbine
components has slowed and layoffs have began to hit the wind turbine
manufacturing industry, according to the AWEA. About 85,000 people are
employed by the U.S. wind power industry. About 8,000 of those are
construction jobs.
"Our numbers are both exciting and sobering," said Denise Bode, CEO of the
AWEA.
Contact Waste & Recycling News reporter Joe Truini at 330-865-6166 or
jtruini@crain.com
Copyright 2009 by Crain Communications Inc. All rights reserved.
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