Source: San Jose Mercury News, 7/16/09
According to a new Department of Energy report, the U.S. has overtaken Germany as the world’s leading producer of wind power, tapped at 25,369 megawatts (1 megawatt of electricity can power 750 to 1,000 homes). . The country’s total wind power capacity increased by 60% in 2008, making it the fastest growing wind power market for the 4 th consecutive year.
"Wind energy will be a critical factor in achieving the president's goals for clean energy, while supporting news jobs," Energy Secretary Steven Chu said in a statement with the report. "While the United States leads the world in wind energy capacity, we have to continue to support research and development as we expand renewable energy deployment."
Among the report’s other findings, was that wind projects accounting for 42% of all new electricity-generating projects in the U.S. last year. In addition, wind now delivers 2% of the nation’s electricity supply.
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