Blowin’ in the Wind

U.S. development in wind is expanding, thanks to near record low prices for wind-generated electricity. According to the American Wind Energy Association, construction of new wind farms dropped dramatically the first half of the year, but activity is once more picking up and industry watchers expect it to continue at a strong pace through next year.

The study found that at least 22 electric utilities around the country issued requests for proposals for new wind farms during the first six months of the year, and many others entered into long-term agreements to a combined 3,950 megawatts of new wind energy from projects across 11 states. Westar Energy in Kansas is among utilities seeking proposals.

Nationally, total wind energy capacity jumped nearly 140 percent between 2008 and 2012, reaching 60,009 MW. Another 1,280 MW were under construction in June.

In Kansas, wind generation grew by some 233 percent over the period, going from 813 MW of power to more than 2,700 MW of current capacity.

Read more about wind energy in Kansas.