WASHINGTON – U.S. wind power capacity increased by 27 percent in 2006, as the U.S. continues to lead the world in wind power growth, according to a report released Friday by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The U.S. had the fastest growing global wind power capacity in 2005 and 2006, and in 2006, for the second consecutive year, led the world by installing 2,454 MW of wind power capacity.
This is approximately 16 percent of the worldwide wind market, followed by Germany, India, Spain, and China.
"As we work to implement President Bush's Advanced Energy Initiative by increasing the use of home-grown, clean, affordable and renewable energy, we are eager to continue the trend of increasing the use of wind power at unprecedented rates," said Alexander Karsner, DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
Texas, Washington, and California led the U.S. in annual wind capacity growth.
The report attributes some of the increase in wind project performance to improved project siting and technological advancements.
Click here to view “U.S. Wind Power Installation, Cost, and Performance Trends: 2006.”