The US Dept. of Energy and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory on Tuesday released its annual report on the wind energy market in the country that showed massive growth for the renewable source.
The report finds total US wind power capacity grew to 47,000 megawatts by the end of 2011 and has since grown to 50,000 megawatts, enough to power 12 million homes annually—as many homes as in the entire state of California.
According to energy officials “as wind energy capacity has grown, more and more wind turbines and components like towers, blades, gears, and generators are “Made in America.” Nearly 70% of all of the equipment installed at U.S. wind farms last year came from domestic manufacturers, doubling from 35% in 2005.”
This infographic details key findings from the Energy Department’s 2011 Wind Technologies Market Report — which underscores the dramatic growth of the U.S. wind industry. | Infographic by Sarah Gerrity.
