Major milestone for wind power
On March 29, wind power produced more electricity than both the nation’s nuclear and coal plants. The 2,017 gigawatt hours of wind powerThis was enough to make Wind the country’s second-largest electricity producer, surpassing only natural gas (which produced 3,287 gigawatts-hours that day).
According to the U.S. Geological Survey approximately 3,000 wind turbines were built in the U.S. each year since 2005. More than 70,800 turbines were operational in January 2022 (photo credit Shutterstock).
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (USAIA), seasonal factors played a significant role in reaching this milestone. Because fewer people require heat, electricity demand tends to decline in spring. This can cause nuclear and coal plants to reduce their output or schedule maintenance in anticipation. However, wind strength is often highest in spring. These seasonal factors were the first to place wind in second place last month when it comes powering our country.
America is investing big in wind power
America’s wind industry has grown steadily over the past decade. America has nearly tripled its wind power generation since 2011. America harnesses enough winds energy today to power over 31 million homes.
The U.S.’s wind energy production has nearly tripled between 2011 and 2020. Source: Renewables on The Rise, Environment America Research and Policy Center
States are leading the charge to invest in wind power.
Wind power usage is not a regional phenomenon. States with open prairies are leading the way. This renewable energy source has made significant strides in recent years in the Great Lakes region as well as on the Pacific coast. Unprecedented offshore lease auctions this past year offer promise for rapid wind power expansion to the Northeast.
The top three states with the highest wind generation between 2011 and 2020 are Texas, Oklahoma, and Iowa (GWH). Source: Renewables on The Rise.
What factors have contributed to the rise of wind power?
The growth of wind energy is affected by both federal and state policies that support offshore wind development. These include tax credits for wind development and renewable portfolio standards.
Additionally, wind turbine technology has advanced significantly over the past decade. According to Environment America Research & Policy Centers report Renewables On the Rise, the average installed wind turbine in 2019 had 42% more power than the one installed in 2010. Additionally, the area swept by the average turbines rotors increased by twice as much in that time frame.
As technology improves and adoption grows, prices will continue to fall. According to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, (NREL), wind energy costs are expected to drop 50% by 2030 compared with 2017 levels.
Will wind energy continue its growth?
Experts predict that there will be continued transitions towards wind power over the next decades. Offshore wind is expected to play a significant role, partly because the Biden administration set the United States’ first ever national offshore wind goal.
The goal is to achieve 30 gigawatts in 2030, enough to meet the demand of more than 10 million American homes for a year, and avoid the creation of 78 million metric tons of CO2 emissions.Goal-setting often leads to action, and offshore wind is no exception. The approval of America’s first two major offshore wind projects in the last year was a landmark. California became the first West Coast state committed to offshore wind. The record-breaking bids at coastal lease auctions surpassed those for oil and gas leases.
How can you help America keep its focus on wind power?
Renewable energy, such as wind power, is crucial at this moment. We need Congress to increase and update tax incentives for clean energy technologies that enable the generation of wind power. This will help us build a sustainable society, and get rid of dangerous, polluting fossil fuels. Take action now to urge Congress to invest in clean energy for a brighter and healthier future.
