U.S. posts slow wind numbers


High Voltage Maintenance Training Online

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 12 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$599
Coupon Price:
$499
Reserve Your Seat Today
The U.S. wind power industry had its slowest quarter since 2007 in the just-ended third quarter, as investors turned away from the sector after Congress did not pass a renewable power mandate, an industry group said.

The American Wind Energy Association AWEA said U.S. developers added 395 megawatts of electricity capacity at wind farms in the third quarter — the slowest quarter since 2007. Year-to-date installations of 1,634 MW, were down 72 percent versus the same period last year.

The U.S. Senate has not passed a national renewable energy mandate that would have required power utilities to generate minimum amounts of power from sources like wind and solar power.

Senator Jeff Bingaman, a Democrat who in September introduced a bill with a Renewable Electricity Standard, has said it has picked up support from Republicans.

But it could be tough to pass the legislation this year as Congress will have a full schedule after it returns following elections.

China and Europe already have mandates for renewable power which AWEA said will help lead to $35 billion in investment in 2010, or four times the amount that has been invested in the United States.

"U.S. wind energy can again lead the world," said Denise Bode, AWEA's chief executive. "But if federal policymakers do not act quickly to provide investment certainty... the U.S. wind industry will stall out."

Wind power supporters also want Congress to pass long term tax incentives that they say would give investors more confidence.

Related News

UK National Grid Commissions 2GW Substation

UK 2-GW Substation strengthens National Grid power transmission in Kent, enabling offshore wind integration, voltage…
View more

Freezing Rain Causes Widespread Power Outages in Quebec

Quebec Ice Storm 2025 disrupted power across Laurentians and Lanaudiere as freezing rain downed lines;…
View more

WY Utility's First Wind Farm Faces Replacement

Foote Creek I Wind Farm Repowering upgrades Wyoming turbines with new nacelles, towers, and blades,…
View more

Biden Imposes Higher Tariffs on Chinese Electric Cars and Solar Cells

U.S. Tariffs on Chinese EVs and Solar Cells target trade imbalances, subsidies, and intellectual property…
View more

18% of electricity generated in Canada in 2019 came from fossil fuels

EV Decarbonization Strategy weighs life-cycle emissions and climate targets, highlighting mode shift to public transit,…
View more

Smart grid and system improvements help avoid more than 500,000 outages over the summer

ComEd Smart Grid Reliability drives outage reduction across Illinois, leveraging smart switches, grid modernization, and…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Live Online & In-person Group Training

Advantages To Instructor-Led Training – Instructor-Led Course, Customized Training, Multiple Locations, Economical, CEU Credits, Course Discounts.

Request For Quotation

Whether you would prefer Live Online or In-Person instruction, our electrical training courses can be tailored to meet your company's specific requirements and delivered to your employees in one location or at various locations.