In December America added 5,400 MW of additional wind power, a leap of about 42% on top of total wind capacity says the US. Energy Information Administration.
Businesses were rushing to businesses rushed to meet the expiring wind production tax credit
“During December 2012, 61 new wind projects totaling 5,425 MW began commercial operation, the largest-ever single-month capacity increase for U.S. wind energy,” writes the EIA in its monthly update.
Three states made up 50% of that increase: Texas (1,120 MW), California (736 MW) and Oklahoma (734 MW). The midwestern and southern plains have good wind resources and fewer population conflicts.
To qualify for the tax credit, wind production had to begin by the end of December 2012.
“Wind generators provided the largest share of additions to total U.S. electric generation capacity in 2012, just as it did in 2008 and 2009.
“The 2012 addition of 12,799 MW is the highest annual wind capacity installment ever reported to EIA.”
Chart from U.S. Energy Information Administration
Image by viralbus
